With a well-designed learning path, learners never have to wonder what to do next. When the journey is clearly laid out, they move on to the next step naturally, without getting lost. This guide explains how to design paths and guide learners through them.
- Think about paths in three ways: a clear order, a visible goal, and no dead ends
- Split content into stages by level, and make clear what's required and what's optional
- Aim for the shortest route through the material
What is a learning path? (a quick recap)
A learning path groups several courses into one flow of learning. It doesn't just list courses; it makes two things clear:
- The order to learn things in
- How far is far enough
Basic principles of path design
Keep these three principles in mind when you design a path.
A clear order
A visible goal
No dead ends
Split content into stages by level
Most paths work well with a staged structure. Stages let learners start at the point that matches their level.
Foundation path ├ Key terms and concepts ├ The essential rules Applied path ├ Using it at work ├ Case studies Practice path ├ Business scenarios ├ Hands-on exercises
Make clear what's required and what's optional
When you design paths, it's important to separate required courses from optional courses. In Manabu2, every course you put in a path counts toward completing it, so put optional courses in a separate path and assign that path with Mandatory training (必須研修) turned off.
| Type | What it's for |
|---|---|
| Required courses | Content everyone must take |
| Optional courses | Content for particular roles or interests |
Add checkpoints
Build checkpoints into the journey where learners confirm their progress, such as:
- Finishing a set number of courses
- Passing a test
In Manabu2, a test is set on a path as a whole; you can't place it between two courses, and learners can take a path's tests at any time. To check progress partway through, split the stages into separate paths and give each path its own test.
Checkpoints make two things clear:
- How far the learner has come
- What to do next
Aim for the shortest route
A good learning journey doesn't send learners the long way around. Instead of making them learn everything from the start, put these first:
What they need to know now
What applies directly to their work
Common mistakes
- So many courses that the goal is out of sight
- Everything looks equally important
- Learners lose track of what to do partway through
Path design checklist
When a path meets these, learning moves forward on its own.
- Is the goal of this path clear?
- Is the first step easy to see?
- Do learners get a sense of achievement along the way?
- Is it easy to pick up again after a break?
What to read next
The next guide covers what to keep in mind when converting real training programs into an LMS.
