With the increased use of Generative AI and technology-supported learning, is there still a need for the human instructor?
While technological advancements have revolutionized workplace learning, especially in terms of acquiring new skills or practical knowledge, the goal of workplace learning often extends beyond this. It frequently involves transforming behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets, areas where human instructors play an irreplaceable role. Here are some key drivers from a learner’s perspective that highlight the importance of a human touch in workplace learning:
1. Empathy & Understanding
Humans are uniquely capable of empathizing with others. In a learning environment, especially one focused on behavioral change, learners benefit from the empathy and understanding a human instructor can offer. This empathy helps in creating a safe space where learners feel comfortable sharing their experiences, concerns, and emotions. A human instructor can read the room, gauge the emotional climate, and adjust the delivery to meet learners where they are.
2. Personalized Feedback
Human instructors can provide immediate, nuanced feedback that is often tailored to the specific needs of each learner. This type of feedback is essential for behavioral change as it can address not just the “what” but also the “how” and “why” of a behavior. Personalized feedback can help learners recognize their biases, understand the impact of their actions, and explore ways to improve.
3. Modeling Behavior
Learning through observation is a powerful tool in behavioral change. Human instructors can model the desired behaviors, attitudes, and mindsets in real-time, providing learners with a concrete example to emulate. This live demonstration of behaviors, coupled with the opportunity to ask questions and seek clarification, is something that technology alone cannot replicate.
4. Facilitating Meaningful Discussions
Behavioral change often requires deep reflection and discussion. Human instructors can facilitate these discussions, asking probing questions, encouraging diverse perspectives, and guiding learners towards deeper insights. These discussions are critical for challenging existing beliefs and fostering new ways of thinking, which are the cornerstones of behavioral change.
5. Building Trust and Rapport
Trust is a key component in any learning relationship, especially when the goal is to change behavior. A human instructor can build a rapport with learners, creating an environment where they feel comfortable exploring sensitive topics and making mistakes. This trust is essential for learners to open up, share their challenges, and fully engage in the learning process.
While eLearning and the role of Generative AI will continue to support skill-building and knowledge enhancement within organizational learning strategies, there remains a critical need for human instructors to deliver behavior-based learning. The unique human capacities for empathy, personalized feedback, behavior modeling, facilitating discussions, and building trust are indispensable in fostering meaningful and lasting behavioral change in the workplace.
If you recognize the critical role that human instructors play in fostering meaningful behavioral change and increasing inclusion within your organization, take the next step with Diversio EDU. To explore our full catalog of training offerings.
An editorial blog by Zakeana Reid, CPHR (she/her), Chief Operating Officer, Diversio EDU.
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