Goal: by the end of this lesson, you will be able to identify content that may confuse learners and understand how to begin improving it.
Imagine you’re reviewing a training manual. The first sentence reads:
“The implementation process must be carefully scrutinised to ensure procedural compliance with the pre-established operational framework.”
Most readers will pause. Some may re-read. Others may give up.
Confusing content like this slows learners down. It can cause frustration, lower confidence, and reduce the effectiveness of training.
Here’s how to spot what needs fixing:
1. Complex or technical language
Jargon and unfamiliar terms are common blockers. Ask yourself: Would every learner understand this word without help? If not, simplify or explain it.
2. Long, unclear sentences
If a sentence is hard to follow in one breath, it’s too long. Aim for under 20–25 words. Break it into shorter, clearer parts.
3. Poor structure or organisation
Are ideas grouped logically? Are there helpful headings or bullet points? A wall of text with no breaks is difficult to scan or remember.
4. Cluttered layout
Overloaded pages, small fonts, or dense visuals make content feel heavier. Use white space, icons, or infographics to guide the eye.
5. Learner feedback
Do learners ask the same questions repeatedly? Do they skip parts or hesitate when reading? These are signs the content isn’t working.
6. Readability tools
Use tools like Hemingway or Flesch-Kincaid to check sentence length and word complexity. Aim for scores that match your learners’ level.
Identifying confusing content is the first step toward creating better learning materials. Once you know where learners struggle, you can begin rewriting with clarity in mind.
Reflection Task
Find one sentence in your materials that may confuse a learner. What makes it difficult, and how would you improve it?