If Everything Is Important, Nothing Is: Structuring Learning With Information Mapping

Structuring Content For Meaningful Action

In Learning and Development (L&D), not all content serves the same purpose. Sometimes, training is about sharing critical information. Other times, it's about helping employees apply what they know on the job. To design effective learning experiences, instructional content is typically categorized into distinct types of information. This classification helps learning designers choose the right strategies, formats, and tools—especially when applying information mapping principles. The six commonly used information types are:

1. Facts.
2. Concepts.
3. Processes.
4. Procedures.
5. Principles.
6. Troubleshooting.

Facts

A fact is a piece of information that is proven and universally true. Because facts are definitive, they are usually the easiest type of content to teach.

• How to teach facts effectively

1. 1. Diagrams (for concrete or specific facts)
   2. Lists.
   3. Tables (especially for data-heavy facts)
   4. Mnemonics.

• Example
  To help learners remember the sequence of alkanes—methane, ethane, propane, butane, pentane, and hexane—you might use a mnemonic like: "My energetic puppies bring playful happiness."
• Teaching facts for on-the-job application
  In real workplaces, memorization isn't always practical—or necessary. Instead of forcing recall, design job aids and performance support tools.
• Example
  If a machine operator must enter multiple codes at different times of the day, don't train them to memorize all codes. Provide:

1. 1. A clearly organized reference chart.
   2. Visual job aids placed directly at the workstation.

Then train the operator on when and how to use the codes—not on recalling them from memory.

Concepts

A concept is an idea that represents a category of items sharing common characteristics. Concepts can be:

1. Concrete (tangible and visible)
2. Abstract (intangible and cognitive)

• Examples

1. 1. Concrete
      Electrical equipment, machines, tools.
   2. Abstract
      Leadership, sales management, critical thinking, decision-making.

• Instructional strategies for teaching concepts

1. 1. Clear definitions (never assume learners already know them)
   2. Examples (especially real-world scenarios)
   3. Non-examples (to clarify boundaries)
   4. Analogies and metaphors (to make abstract ideas relatable)

When concepts are poorly defined, learners often form incorrect mental models that are difficult to unlearn later. Clear conceptual instruction ensures learners can transfer understanding across different contexts, rather than associating the concept with only one example or situation.

• Example
  To explain the concept of a "chair," showing that a couch or bed is not a chair helps learners distinguish similar objects more effectively.
• Remembering vs. applying a concept

1. 1. Remembering
      An employee can describe the key characteristics of a specific machine.
   2. Applying
      The employee can identify that machine correctly on the work floor using those characteristics.

Processes

A process explains how something works. It describes a flow of events or stages rather than step-by-step actions.

• Example
  "How a car is manufactured in this factory."
• Best ways to teach a process

1. 1. Flow diagrams.
   2. Process maps.
   3. Charts and icons.
   4. Visual sequences and images.
   5. Observational learning (watching the process in action)

Processes are best learned visually and holistically, focusing on flow and relationships rather than detailed instructions.

Procedures

A procedure is a step-by-step sequence of actions and decisions required to complete a task.

• Example
  "The procedure for applying for a passport."
• Instructional strategies for teaching procedures

1. 1. Demonstrations.
   2. Videos and simulations.
   3. Guided practice.
   4. Hands-on activities.
   5. Immediate feedback.

Procedural learning works best when learners can practice in a safe environment before performing the task independently.

Principles

Principles are rules, guidelines, or policies that guide decisions and actions in specific situations.

• Examples

1. 1. A baker applying foundational baking rules to create a chocolate pudding.
   2. A salesperson using selling principles to engage customers and close deals.

• How to teach principles

1. 1. Clearly list the guidelines.
   2. Use demonstrations and videos.
   3. Include case studies and real-world scenarios.
   4. Provide practice opportunities with feedback.

Principles are best learned through application and judgment, not memorization.

Troubleshooting

Troubleshooting focuses on identifying, diagnosing, and resolving problems.

• Example
  Training an employee to identify faults in a machine and apply the correct fix.
• Instructional strategies for troubleshooting

1. 1. Demonstrations.
   2. Scenario-based learning.
   3. Videos showing real problems.
   4. Practice with guided feedback.

Effective troubleshooting training emphasizes decision-making under realistic conditions.

Information Mapping For Instructional Designers And Writers

Information mapping is a structured approach to organizing content in a clear, visual, and learner-friendly way. It helps Instructional Designers and writers to:

1. Break complex information into manageable chunks.
2. Align content with learner needs.
3. Improve comprehension and retention.
4. Support faster on-the-job application.

By identifying the type of information first, learning professionals can design content that is clear, purposeful, and performance-driven—exactly what modern learners expect.