“We increase the impact so that knowledge is better retained”

With Learn&Connect, Mensura presents a completely renewed approach to courses. More than ever before, the emphasis is on impactful knowledge acquisition, practical application, and mutual exchange of knowledge and experience. Julie Pottier, Courses manager at Mensura, explains what is new and what the future holds. 

What exactly will be changing in Mensura’s course curriculum?

Julie Pottier: “As Mensura, we take on the role of ‘trusted advisor’ for our clients. We are now tangibly extending this role to our course curriculum. Concretely, this means that the course does not start and end with the classroom session. We provide participants with information in advance and take a deeper dive into important matters during the course. Meanwhile, we stimulate them to put the knowledge gained into practice and provide feedback moments where the group gets to exchange experiences and questions. In other words, we establish a learning network. This ensures that the knowledge is better retained and the impact increased.” 

Is that the reason why multiple learning formats are combined?

Julie Pottier: “It is, indeed. The impact always comes first. That’s why we commit to ‘blended learning’, which means that multiple ways of gaining knowledge are seamlessly integrated. An important step in that regard is the introduction of game-based learning and virtual reality where these can be meaningful. This way, a learning journey around safety could start with an e-learning course to cover the theory.  This is then followed by a practical moment in the classroom, and then game-based learning to rehash all the material.” 

What is the added value of virtual reality in the context of education?

Julie Pottier: “In purely theoretical knowledge transfer, one may quickly think, ‘I already know that’. It becomes interesting when you get to observe your own behaviour in a realistic situation. That is when the ‘Eureka!’ moment often comes where you realise that you do not respond correctly when, for example, confronted with aggression or dealing with someone who is approaching burnout.  The classroom course remains intact while adding more interaction and fun with some minor interventions, such as role-playing or a short quiz.” 

The ‘Connect’ aspect of Learn&Connect is still in its infancy. What are the plans for the future?

Julie Pottier: “We want to make this learning network a reality, step by step. In the near future, we will be adding events and inspiration sessions, or even co-creation with clients. The latter will also allow us to learn about our clients’ needs. What are their priorities? Working together to build learning solutions around those priorities will help us put our philosophy into practice.” 

Finally, how important are partners in this story?

Julie Pottier: “They are key. We rely on them in domains where we lack specific expertise. These may be players like Vinçotte, Play It Safe, or OneBonsai. Meanwhile, it goes without saying that we invest in our internal and external teachers. They largely determine the impact of a course. We will be sure to push and inspire them to keep learning and growing as well.”