From Classroom to Corporate Learning with Jessica Smith

In the ever-evolving landscape of corporate training, professionals with backgrounds in education are finding their expertise in instructional design to be invaluable. In episode 108 of the Designing with Love podcast, Jackie speaks with Jessica Smith, a seasoned instructional designer at ADP, who shares insights on how her teaching background informs her work in corporate learning and development.

Understanding the Transition from Education to Corporate Training

Jessica’s journey from teaching secondary Spanish to corporate training highlights the transferable skills educators possess. She emphasizes the importance of understanding how people learn, regardless of the age group they are teaching. "Whether you're teaching little ones or adults, understanding human learning is key," Smith explains. This foundational knowledge enables instructional designers to create effective training programs that cater to the needs of adult learners.

Identifying Strengths in Instructional Design

Jessica identifies three key strengths from her teaching background that seamlessly translate into corporate learning and development (L&D). The first is a deep understanding of learning processes. Educators are trained to identify gaps in knowledge and develop strategies to address those gaps. "Teachers really hone the skill of drilling down to what the problem is," she notes. This ability is crucial in instructional design, where identifying learners' needs is the first step in creating successful training materials.

The second strength is creativity. Smith explains that teachers are adept at finding innovative ways to engage learners and convey information effectively. This creativity is essential for instructional designers as they develop engaging e-learning experiences. "How does a learner think? What are their processes?" she asks, highlighting the importance of aligning training with learner workflows.

The third strength is the ability to assess prior knowledge and adjust training content accordingly. Smith stresses the importance of understanding what learners already know and what they need to learn to be successful. This assessment helps instructional designers create materials that are relevant and effective.

Navigating the Corporate Training Landscape

The transition from K-12 or higher education to corporate training can be smooth, but it requires a willingness to learn about adult learning theories. Smith encourages educators to familiarize themselves with these theories to better understand the differences in how children and adults learn. "It can change your tone and how you put together materials," she advises, emphasizing that adapting to corporate environments is essential for success.

Effective Collaboration with Subject Matter Experts

One of the critical aspects of instructional design in a corporate setting is collaborating with subject matter experts (SMEs). Smith discusses the importance of conducting thorough needs assessments during the intake and scoping process. She warns about the risk of scope creep and emphasizes the need for clear objectives and realistic timelines. "Always watch out for that scope creep," she cautions, stressing that understanding what exists and what needs to be created is vital to avoiding unnecessary work.

Regular check-ins with SMEs throughout the development process are also crucial. This ongoing collaboration helps ensure that the final product meets expectations and avoids surprises. Smith asserts that maintaining communication with SMEs is essential for delivering effective training materials. "Having those regular check-in moments is important," she advises, highlighting the need for continuous feedback.

Conclusion: Key Takeaways

The insights shared by Jessica serve as a valuable guide for educators transitioning into corporate training roles. By leveraging their understanding of learning processes, creativity, and assessment skills, they can create impactful training programs that enhance employee performance. Moreover, effective collaboration with SMEs and a focus on adult learning theories can help ensure that instructional designers are well-prepared to meet the challenges of corporate L&D. 

📢 Call-to-Action: Are you thinking of moving from the academic world to learning and design in the private sector? You have transferable skills!

Photo by Pavel Danilyuk: https://www.pexels.com/photo/a-woman-using-a-laptop-8761533/