Application of Elaboration Likelihood Model in Training Programs

This blog delves into detail the importance and application of the elaboration likelihood model in training programs. Overview of Elaboration Likelihood Model The Elaboration Likelihood Model is a dual process theory that stresses how individuals get persuaded and change their attitudes as a result of the elaboration of the information by the persuader. The elaboration, in this case, refers to the audience’s effort to decode, analyze, comprehend, and recall the information. The two routes through which persuasion occurs are the central and peripheral routes. The central route involves thorough consideration of the information by the audience through a high motivation level. When engaging in this route, audiences require high levels of critical thinking and processing, where they actively think about the delivered content, evaluate the arguments, determine its relevance, and connect the information with previously acquired knowledge. As a result, the attitudes formed through this route are long-lasting and are less likely to be forgotten over time and lead to behavior change. On the other hand, the peripheral route involves low motivation to process the information and therefore focuses on external cues to form attitude. The content appears to the receiver as not personally relevant and may feel distracted by the information while getting attracted to the source, the background visuals, or the music. The attitudes generated through this route are temporary and short-term and are effective in capturing the audience’s attention and interest. Importance of Elaboration Likelihood Model in Training Programs Although a persuasion model, the elaboration likelihood model has immense application in training programs. The model explains the way people perceive information and encourages strategies to persuade the learners to the training program. The importance of Elaboration Likelihood Model in training programs are: Importance of Elaboration Likelihood Model in Training Choosing diverse methods The two routes of the Elaboration Likelihood Model help designers plan for adopting different methods to convey complex information. The trainers and designers can decide on the topics that require keen attention being conveyed through a central route by implementing strategies to motivate the learners. In addition, visually engaging materials can be utilized to create a positive impression on the learners and persuade them. Knowledge Retention Elaboration of the concepts paves the way for long-term learning and deeper understanding. In this manner, this model processes information to be retained for a longer time in the learner’s memory. Trainers can adopt the central route to create content of high-level cognitive engagement to promote knowledge retention. Designing Engaging Content In the creation of instructional content, designing engaging and persuasive training content to not only educate the learners on the information and facts but also shape their attitudes and viewpoints is crucial. Adopting a central route can aid in attitude changes associated with learning while a peripheral route attracts the attention of the learners toward the training. Motivation Motivation is a major factor that affects the overall learning process. In the learning scenario, if the learner is motivated to receive knowledge, elaboration increases and contributes to an immersive learning experience. The training programs can adopt relevant strategies to capture the attention of learners through extrinsic motivation or a central route if learners are intrinsically motivated. Change in Behavior The major purpose of every training is to offer a significant change in behavior through the reception of knowledge. Both central and peripheral routes set an environment for changing the behavior of the learners through long-term retention or short-span refinement. Training programs that adopt the principles of the Elaboration Likelihood Model yield maximized learning outcomes and changes in learner attitudes. Application of Elaboration Likelihood Model in Training Programs The elaboration likelihood model can be applied to diverse training programs based on the content, learner readiness and motivation, training objectives, and desired outcomes. The dual routes of the model contribute in unique ways to design and deliver the content ensuring learner engagement. The application of central and peripheral routes and the integration of both for maximized outcomes are as follows: Designing Content through Central Route Central Route encompasses motivated learners deeply processing the content to retain the content and bring attitudinal change. This can include encouraging the learners to prepare for the learning by bringing relevant content based on learners’ needs that foster critical thinking and problem-solving. Training programs can incorporate real-life scenarios, critical thinking exercises, knowledge checks for self-assessment, and discussion forums to attract learners and retain the knowledge. After delivering the training upholding the central route principles to reinforce content can retain the knowledge gained. This mode is possible to highly motivated learners desiring to gain knowledge in their area. Designing Content through Peripheral Route While the central route includes high motivation and greater elaboration, the peripheral route focuses on surface-level cues such as the presentability of the trainer, training approaches, and visuals. Even though the training does not create a long-lasting impact on the learners, it engages the learners during the course delivery. Designing training programs through this route includes attractive visuals and infographics, testimonials, gamification, and entertainment. Integration of Central and Peripheral Route An effective training program can perfectly blend the principles of central and peripheral routes for maximized outcomes. This can include capturing the learner’s attention through different multimedia and engaging techniques and offering detailed content for knowledge transfer. For instance, the course can ensure a visual appeal in the initial phase and later move on to the subject matter. In addition, the designers can integrate attractive animations into the scenarios, gamified elements for assessments, and offer rewards as reinforcements to engage the learners in the learning experience. This integration is a beneficial strategy as it caters to the needs of all learners and builds a positive learning environment. Conclusion The Elaboration Likelihood Model in training is effective in catering to the diverse needs of the learners and promotes engagement. The central and peripheral routes of the model provide strategies for deep learning and gathering attention respectively. Incorporating the principles of the model has a great impact on the training process as it encourages the designers and trainers to choose diverse methods to convey complex information, promote long-term retention of the content, design engaging and persuasive content to gain insight as well as shape the attitude, be motivated to attain knowledge, and behavioral change. The application of the elaboration likelihood model in training involves designing the content through the central route to retain knowledge, designing through the peripheral route using visually appealing mediums to attract the learners, or integrating both routes for maximized outcomes by incorporating different multimedia and engaging techniques and offering detailed content for knowledge transfer. To ensure the success of a training program and create a dynamic learning environment, designers and trainers can decide upon integrating both routes that would contribute to absorbing and retaining information. Infographic Application of Elaboration Likelihood Model in Training Knowledge Check! Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) What is the Elaboration likelihood Model? The Elaboration Likelihood Model is a dual process theory that stresses how individuals get persuaded and change their attitudes as a result of the elaboration of the information by the persuader. How to apply the Elaboration likelihood Model in Training? The application of the elaboration likelihood model in training involves designing the content through the central route to retain knowledge, designing through the peripheral route using visually appealing mediums to attract the learners, or integrating both routes for maximized outcomes by incorporating different multimedia and engaging techniques and offering detailed content for knowledge transfer. What is elaboration? The elaboration refers to the audience’s effort to decode, analyze, comprehend, and recall the information.