How to Create a Learning Pathway
An Outcome-Based Approach to Deeper Connection and New Revenue
Summary
The best associations are designed for permanent connection.
We rally people around ideas, further important causes, solve problems big and small, and create value to sustain a thriving community. We need regular new programming to foster learning and drive connection. This is our value proposition or the compelling reason to join, engage, and learn.
A learning pathway is a structured and personalized approach that caters to diverse member needs, interests, and career goals. Pathways allow learners the opportunity to connect disparate learning experiences into a coherent journey. Successfully designed and implemented, learning pathways can be a boon to new product development and revenue growth.
I lead the product community, which is a product development learning community designed specifically for associations.
What is a Learning Pathway?
“We now accept the fact that learning is a lifelong process of keeping abreast of change. And the most pressing task is to teach people how to learn.”
Peter Drucker
A common approach to association learning is single-use, one-and-done educational programming. That is, we offer plenty of events, experiences, courses, webinars, podcasts, or content. This is expected, but what if our offerings built upon each other and motivated members to engage deeply and diversely over time?
A learning pathway is a structured and personalized approach that caters to members’ diverse needs, interests, and career goals. It is the implementation of a curriculum design consisting of a set of activities that help learners achieve particular learning goals. It allows members to meaningfully string experiences together so there is coherence, progress, and connection.
Learning is intentional and happens over time. Think of three types of possible pathways:
Successive – in which learners take modules in order, completing activities and exercises to unlock the next learning experience. These modules can be webinars, courses, podcasts, or articles.
Level – in which learners progress and deepen knowledge as activities get more challenging; this pathway could be in a particular topic or problem area, challenging learners to apply what they learn.
A la carte – in which learners maximize choice by following a loose pathway of optional activities, directed by interest and reflection.
There are no hard and fast rules for using each type; in fact, it’s sometimes useful to combine features. Let’s run through some generic steps for how to create a pathway.
How Does it Work?
“When we practice certain intentional behaviors, they quickly become more natural.”
Sarah Stein Greenberg
Creating a learning pathway is collaborative activity that bridges organizational skill, subject matter expertise, and deep knowledge of your existing and possible future offerings. Regarding structure, think of a learning pathway in three stages:
Pre-learning – Documenting goals, committing to learning over time, and linking goals to meaningful outcomes.
Gain knowledge and skill – Learning can take any number of forms: content, experiences, courses, or mutual engagement.
Apply and give back – Linking the learning journey to community and broader purpose. Quite simply, this is sharing knowledge.
Now let’s look at a learning pathway in more depth. Following the above color scheme, here's a framework for developing effective learning pathways:
Identify Learning Objectives and Outcomes
Define the specific skills, knowledge, or competencies the learning pathway aims to develop.
Engage with subject matter experts, industry leaders, and members to understand the most relevant and in-demand areas for professional development.
Establish clear and measurable learning outcomes that align with the association's mission and members' career aspirations.
Conduct a Needs Assessment
Survey members to understand their current skill levels, knowledge gaps, learning styles, and learning preferences (e.g., self-paced, instructor-led, virtual, in-person).
Analyze industry trends, emerging technologies, and evolving best practices to ensure the learning pathways remain relevant and future-ready.
Structure the Learning Pathway
Break down the learning objectives into manageable milestones or modules, each building upon the previous one.
Incorporate a variety of learning formats (e.g., courses, webinars, workshops, mentoring, on-the-job training) to cater to different learning styles and preferences.
Integrate assessments or knowledge checks at various milestones to measure progress and reinforce learning.
Curate and Develop Learning Resources
Identify existing resources within the association, such as subject matter experts, publications, or educational materials.
Collaborate with industry partners, academic institutions, or training providers to develop high-quality content or leverage external resources.
Utilize a range of multimedia formats (e.g., videos, podcasts, simulations, case studies) to enhance engagement and knowledge retention.
Personalize the Pathway and Deliver the Experience
Offer multiple entry points based on members' existing skill levels and experience.
Provide opportunities for members to customize their learning journey by selecting electives or specializations that align with their career goals.
Encourage members to set personal learning goals and milestones within the broader pathway.
Foster Community and Collaboration
Incorporate peer-to-peer learning opportunities, such as discussion forums, virtual study groups, or project collaborations.
Facilitate networking and mentoring connections to support members as they progress through the learning pathway.
Create opportunities for members to share their learnings, experiences, and best practices with the broader community.
Measure and Evaluate
Establish metrics to track participation, completion rates, and learning outcomes.
Collect feedback from members throughout the learning pathway to identify areas for improvement or additional support needed.
Continuously refine and update the learning pathways based on the evaluation data, industry changes, and member feedback.
Replicate the Process
Great learning pathways are iterative and replicable. The basic framework can be repeated for different situations.
By following this framework, associations can create choice-filled, comprehensive, and personalized learning pathways that empower members to achieve their professional development goals, enhance their skills and knowledge, and foster a culture of continuous learning and growth.
Three Examples
“Better recipes, not just more cooking.”
Paul Romer
There are many different ways to structure and use learning pathways. Let’s run through some examples: (1) a pathway to guide new members as they build a network and create community, (2) a pathway leading to a certificate, and (3) an a la carte pathway.
Pathway for New Members Looking to Build Community
Target Audience: Individuals new to a profession or industry.
Objectives: Introduce foundational concepts, build a strong professional network, and foster a sense of community.
Structure:
Onboarding module: Overview of the profession, ethical standards, and association resources.
Mentorship program: Pairing new members with experienced professionals for guidance and support.
Networking events: In-person or virtual events for members to connect and share experiences.
Discussion forums: Online platforms for members to ask questions, share insights, and collaborate.
Volunteer opportunities: Involvement in association committees or projects to build practical experience.
Outcomes: Develop a solid understanding of the profession, establish a professional network, and cultivate a sense of belonging within the association community.
Pathway for Certificate in Patient Care for Oncology Nursing
Target Audience: Nurses seeking specialized expertise in oncology patient care.
Objectives: Provide comprehensive training and certification in oncology nursing practices.
Structure:
Core modules: Principles of oncology nursing, cancer biology, treatment modalities, and symptom management.
Specialized modules: Palliative care, psychosocial support, patient education, and care coordination.
Clinical practicum: Hands-on experience in an oncology care setting under the supervision of experienced nurses.
Case studies and simulations: Application of learned concepts to real-world scenarios.
Final assessment: Comprehensive exam or capstone project to evaluate knowledge and skills.
Outcomes: Earn a certificate in oncology nursing, demonstrating expertise in providing high-quality, specialized care to cancer patients.
A La Carte Pathway with Longitudinal Cohort
Target Audience: Members seeking personalized professional development opportunities.
Objectives: Provide a flexible, self-directed learning experience while fostering a cohort-based learning community.
Structure:
Learning catalog: A comprehensive list of courses, workshops, webinars, and resources covering a wide range of topics and domains.
Cohort formation: Members self-select into cohorts based on shared interests or learning goals.
Learning plans: Members create personalized learning plans by selecting courses or resources from the catalog.
Cohort interactions: Regular virtual meetings, discussion forums, and collaborative projects within the cohort.
Progress tracking: Members track their progress, achievements, and accumulated knowledge through a digital portfolio or transcript.
Outcomes: Members gain targeted knowledge and skills tailored to their individual needs while benefiting from the support and experiences of a longitudinal cohort.
By offering diverse learning pathways, associations can cater to the varying needs and goals of their members, whether they are new to a profession, seeking specialized certification, or pursuing personalized professional development. These pathways not only facilitate knowledge acquisition but also foster a sense of community, collaboration, and continuous growth within the association.
How the Learner Benefits
“Honey is a byproduct of a healthy hive.”
Seth Godin
Well-designed and properly implemented, learning pathways are an opportunity for associations to provide an ongoing platform for member professional development. This can provide new ways to grow and diversify revenue by connecting members to great experiences that happen over time.
But how does the learner benefit? There are many ways, but here are five:
More choice in what and how to learn
Deeper learning and enhanced skill
Stronger connection to the association
Enhanced peer network
Opportunities to become a facilitator
Think of a learning pathway as a beneficial win-win-win: for the association, for the community, and for the individual member.
I lead the product community; we are a learning community because we believe great relationships help us create the value our members want. Remember, product-led growth fuels connection. Join the product community and flip your destiny.
About the Author
James Young is founder and chief learning officer of the product community®. Jim is an engaging trainer and leading thinker in the worlds of associations, learning communities, and product development. Prior to starting the product community®, Jim served as Chief Learning Officer at both the American College of Chest Physicians and the Society of College and University Planning. Please contact me for a conversation: james@productcommunity.us