Blended Learning Model
LTS Consulting offers White, Yellow, Green and Black Belt certification utilizing a blended learning training model designed to increase the capability of Lean Six Sigma practitioners by integrating multiple delivery modes and learning activities - generally a mix of e‐Learning, classroom exercises, mentoring and project based applications.
Well-designed Blended Learning combines complementary learning activities to attain a defined level of subject matter mastery. A Blended Learning model uses different learning modes, designed to appeal to different learning styles, is based on adult learning principles and is engineered to meet requirements of effectiveness, cost and flexibility.
A study, completed by the Centre for Studies in Advanced Learning Technology of Lancaster University suggests that there is wide use for "networked learning" for the following reasons:
- Students found a high degree of interactivity and flexibility when combining online tools with other virtual activities. 54% of survey respondents reported feeling more in control of their own learning over time and location.
- The variety of interactive options encouraged MORE interaction among students than situations where those opportunities did not exist.
- Students in organized blended programs experienced more "reflective learning," which facilitated "deeper" processing of the material. They felt that they were better able to respond to content when afforded the opportunity to absorb it over time, rather than respond immediately, as is often the case in a traditional classroom environment.
- Recorded discussion and e‐Learning leaves a "permanent record." In a classroom, when the instructor has finished her remarks, most of the instruction is also finished. When e‐Learning is used as the primary delivery mode for content, it can be re‐accessed as often as necessary for refresher and just‐in‐time learning.
- Networked learning provides richer opportunities for peer learning. Particularly in deployments where students are not co‐located, tools like discussion forums and project management applications foster more communication within cohorts. Students find great value in the strength of their new network. 79% of respondents to LU’s case studies felt they had learned from the contributions of fellow students.
E-learning
LTS recommends MoreSteam University for the E-learning component of the Blended Learning Model. MoreSteam offers a complete suite of online Lean Six Sigma training including Black Belt, Green Belt, Yellow Belt, and "Just in Time" Lean Six Sigma training. All of which is based on the International Body of Knowledge and uses the six levels of cognition based on Bloom’s Taxonomy to ensure student engagement.
As a value added option for the organization LTS has worked with MoreSteam to make the E-learning component of the blended learning model customizable in five different ways:
- By adding "LSS stories" of success as they emerge from within the organization
- By adding a 90 second video by the CEO that reiterates the importance of the program
- By rearranging or creating modules
- By adding the organization’s strategic plan , mission, vision and values throughout the courses
- Renaming
Lean Six Sigma success stories follow a standard template to ensure consistency and are placed throughout the MoreSteam content in the appropriate learning area so it ties the learning principle to real life. For example, a student would read/listen to the content; complete an exercise on applying the principle then read a story of how it was successfully applied in their province.
MoreSteam University is also able to promote the importance of the Lean Six Sigma Quality Improvement program through a 90 second video hosted by the CEO. For example, LTS has worked with the Saskatoon Health Region to create a video by the Region’s CEO that thanked the student for participating and promoted the importance of the program and how it will help the staff, patients and the organization.
The stories and video can be easily changed at anytime causing an instant update of the learning material without costly reprints or amendments. The student is signalled to the updated material the moment they log back in allowing for continual timely learning.
Modules can also be moved around or created to ensure a customization of the program as well. For example, LTS has worked with the Saskatoon Health Region to rearrange some of the Yellow Belt models and create a customized "Just in Time" Lean Six Sigma training package that is designed for all the front-line staff that participates in improvement projects.
MoreSteam is also able to implant the organization’s strategic plan, mission statement and vision throughout the E-learning to help drive the importance of the program and connect it to the organization’s strategic plan which also meets Accreditation Canada requirements.
The course can also be renamed to reflect the organization. For example, the Yellow Belt course could be titled "Peterborough Regional Health Center Yellow Belt".
This customized learning becomes a very powerful tool to help to engage, educate and empower staff to improve their work environment and the patient experience and fulfills the need of the organization to have a customized quality improvement program.
Group Mentorship Sessions
The second component of the Blended Learning Model is the Group Mentorship Sessions. These are power point free, classroom-type settings that follow the DMAIC cycle. The trainees are given the opportunity to practically apply Lean Six Sigma tools in a safe environment.
The sessions are a highly interactive and participative type of learning. Through interactive games, participative worksheets and group work individuals gain an understanding of the principles of Lean Six Sigma and practice the tools. Participants also learn when to use the tools and how to teach the tools but most importantly, they gain an understanding of the principles of Lean Six Sigma.
Mentorship - Mentored Project Work using a Rapid Improvement Event
The key to success of the implementation of Lean Six Sigma in any organization is the practical application of the methodology with proper mentorship. And the goal of any mentor is to disseminate their knowledge and experience effectively and efficiently so the student is able to turn around and apply and begin to mentor others. This is why it is crucial that students be mentored by someone who has relevant practical experience in a setting that is reflective of their current situation.
All practical application projects are run within a 120-day project cycle following the LTS Consulting Rapid Improvement Event Model, a model for process improvement that teaches a team to review and redesign a work process for elimination of waste and improved efficiency. For the trainee to be successful in leading such a project the mentor must also be accessible.
Whether it be for a ten minute phone call, or email exchange or one-on-one meeting, the student needs to have access to the mentor in a way that also keeps the project on track. Therefore the LTS mentor guarantees that emails or phone calls will be returned within a 24 hour period to ensure the 120 day cycle is maintained.
As students go through their project they are given one-on-one mentorship through each phase from individuals who have hands on successful experience applying Lean Six Sigma and working with front-line staff.
For example, the individual might have one-on-one mentorship with the experienced consultant prior to the "define" team meeting to discuss the objectives of the day, the tools he or she could use to complete the objectives and the learnings that need to be passed on to the team by the end of the day.
At the end of the session the mentor and student debrief about the day and develop an action plan including mentorship follow-up that is to be completed before the next phase of the DMAIC cycle.
Through every step of the DMAIC cycle the mentor works with the student to build their experience and knowledge of how to practically apply Lean Six Sigma and teaches them how to teach others.
This three step blended learning is a proven method for the diminished mentorship model employed by LTS Consulting and for building an organization’s internal capacity for strong, continuous quality improvement even after the external consultant has withdrawn.