From English teacher to learning designer: India’s journey into a new perspective

Transitioning from being an English teacher to learning designer has been an eye-opening experience. Joining Oppida, I was ready to explore something new while staying connected to the education sector. This journey has not only expanded my skill set but also shifted my perspective on how learning is structured and delivered.

Embracing a new role

When I joined Oppida, I brought with me the mindset of a teacher who prioritised lesson planning and classroom delivery. However, learning design required a different approach—one that was less about teaching and more about designing for the learner. I began my training under Bianca’s guidance, completing her learning design programme while simultaneously participating in meetings, engaging in hands-on 1:1 training sessions, and observing the process of senior learning designers from start to finish as a project coordinator for a major external client project.

Adopting a ‘student-first’ mindset

One of the most significant lessons I’ve learned is how essential it is to approach learning design from a ‘student-first’ perspective. This principle isn’t unfamiliar to me; as a teacher, I always tailored lessons to meet my students’ needs. However, designing for a broader audience—learners I’ve never met—presents a unique challenge. It’s about anticipating their needs, understanding their journey, and structuring content to make it engaging and accessible.

Discovering the role of media in learning

Another fascinating aspect of learning design is identifying where elements like graphics and videos enhance the learning experience. These tools, when used thoughtfully, can simplify complex concepts and make learning more engaging. As someone new to this field, it’s been challenging to determine where these elements fit best within the overall structure. However, each project has been an opportunity to refine my skills and develop a deeper understanding of the process.

Overcoming initial challenges

Learning to view content through the lens of structure rather than delivery was initially overwhelming. Unlike teaching, where I could adapt on the spot, learning design requires a detailed plan from the outset. It involves asking questions like: “What’s the best way for learners to engage with this material?” and “How can I ensure the content flows logically?” With each project, I’ve grown more confident in answering these questions.

Moving forward

My journey from teaching to learning design has been both challenging and rewarding. I’ve enjoyed stepping back to see the bigger picture of how learning materials come together to create an impactful experience for learners. While I’m still adapting to the intricacies of this field, I’m excited to continue growing and contributing to meaningful educational projects.

For anyone considering a similar transition, my advice is to embrace the learning curve and focus on the learner’s perspective. The skills I've brought from teaching—like empathy, adaptability, and an understanding of educational goals—have been invaluable. With time and practice, I have no doubt I'll find your footing in this new and exciting field.

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India's testimonial:

“The course was easy to navigate and well thought-out, and the knowledge checks at the end were really useful to help me remember the key takeaways. Having the course alongside my hands-on training at work gave me the opportunity to practise from both a learner and designer perspective. Coming from a background in education, like Bianca, the way she has presented the course was relatable, and having the extra resources helped to broaden my understanding.”