--- title: The Pedagogy Behind an Effective Security Awareness Training Program description: CyberCoach is based on dialogic learning and storification in order to maximize learning retention. Learn more about the pedagogy behind CyberCoach. image: https://blog.cybercoach.com/hubfs/dialog%20learning.png --- [![CyberCoach Full Logo with Bot Icon](https://blog.cybercoach.com/hubfs/CyberCoach_Full_Logo_Black-2.svg)](https://www.cybercoach.com?hsLang=en) - [English](https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning) - [Español](https://blog.cybercoach.com/es/la-pedagogía-de-un-programa-efectivo-de-concienciación-en-seguridad) - [Português - Brasil](https://blog.cybercoach.com/pt-br/a-pedagogia-de-um-programa-eficaz-de-conscientização-em-segurança) - PRODUCT ## CyberCoach at a glance An industry-changing platform built on peer-reviewed research: phishing, secure coding, and AI skills training, delivered directly in Teams, Slack, or the browser. ### [The Science Behind CyberCoach Why traditional phishing simulations don't work, according to peer-reviewed research from ETH Zurich.](https://www.cybercoach.com/science-behind-cybercoach?hsLang=en) ### [Is Phishing Simulation Legal Under GDPR? 9 steps GDPR requires before you phish your employees — and a new simulation approach that doesn't need any of them.](https://www.cybercoach.com/legal-basis-phishing-simulation?hsLang=en) ### [Pricing Flexible plans, also monthly. ](https://www.cybercoach.com/pricing?hsLang=en) ### [Blog Latest insights into security awareness and what's new with CyberCoach.](https://blog.cybercoach.com) ### [Customer Stories Read more about how CyberCoach has helped organizations across different industries modernize their approach to security and AI training. ](https://www.cybercoach.com/customer-stories?hsLang=en) ### [OT Security Training Targeted training for employees working with OT technology.](https://www.cybercoach.com/ot-security-training?hsLang=en) - [AI TRAINING](https://www.cybercoach.com/ai-security-training?hsLang=en) ## [AI Training The most comprehensive role-based AI security and productivity training — built to help employees use AI effectively and safely, and keep your organization compliant with the EU AI Act.](https://www.cybercoach.com/ai-security-training?hsLang=en) ### [AI Security Training Why choose CyberCoach for your AI security training needs?](https://www.cybercoach.com/ai-security-training?hsLang=en) ### [EU AI Act Training Requirements: What You Actually Have To Do AI literacy training has been mandatory since February 2025.  ](https://www.cybercoach.com/eu-ai-act-training-requirements?hsLang=en) - [FOR DEVELOPERS](https://www.cybercoach.com/secure-development-training-for-developers?hsLang=en) ## [For Developers Go beyond OWASP Top10 and offer hands-on interactive training for technical roles in secure coding and efficient use of AI. ](https://www.cybercoach.com/secure-development-training-for-developers?hsLang=en) ### [Secure Coding Skills Meet ISO/IEC 27001 or SOC 2 requirements for secure development practices with no-nonsense training for your developers and other technical roles, directly in Microsoft Teams or Slack chat. ](https://www.cybercoach.com/secure-development-training-for-developers?hsLang=en) - [COMPANY](https://www.cybercoach.com/about-us?hsLang=en) ## [About us We're growing into the most diverse training platform company on the planet.](https://www.cybercoach.com/about-us?hsLang=en) ### [About Us Get to know our international team.](https://www.cybercoach.com/about-us?hsLang=en) ### [Contact Us Get in touch.](https://www.cybercoach.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ### [Careers We are hiring.](https://www.cybercoach.com/careers?hsLang=en) ### [Partner with us Learn more about our partner program.](https://www.cybercoach.com/partnerships?hsLang=en) - [English](https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning) - [Español](https://blog.cybercoach.com/es/la-pedagogía-de-un-programa-efectivo-de-concienciación-en-seguridad) - [Português - Brasil](https://blog.cybercoach.com/pt-br/a-pedagogia-de-um-programa-eficaz-de-conscientização-em-segurança) [FREE TRIAL](https://www.cybercoach.com/free-trial?hsLang=en) [GET A DEMO](https://meetings-eu1.hubspot.com/maria-bique/cybercoach-demo?uuid=88959d26-2ff7-4dd0-8ebd-dd43eb31443e) Training # The Pedagogy Behind an Effective Security Awareness Training Program CyberCoach is based on dialogic learning and storification in order to maximize learning retention. Learn more about the pedagogy behind CyberCoach. [Ian Fox](https://blog.cybercoach.com/author/ian-fox) Jul 31, 2024 [Awareness](https://blog.cybercoach.com/tag/awareness) [Security Awareness](https://blog.cybercoach.com/tag/security-awareness) [Security Culture](https://blog.cybercoach.com/tag/security-culture) [Training](https://blog.cybercoach.com/tag/training) ### Share this article [mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email](mailto:?subject=Check%20out%20https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email%20&body=Check%20out%20https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning&utm_medium=social&utm_source=email) ### Subscribe ### Subscribe ![](https://blog.cybercoach.com/hubfs/dialog%20learning.png)   ### What is the best way to learn a new skill? Or to teach someone something?   ##### The answer usually depends on the learner or teacher in question. We differ widely in preferred learning styles; auditory strategies appeal to some while visual learning works better for others. Despite this, there are common principles that apply to all learning. Pedagogical techniques including active/dialogic learning and storification can cut across differences in individual learning styles. Research showed that university students in active learning courses scored higher and were less likely to fail than those listening to traditional lecture-style courses ([Freeman et al., 2014](https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/24821756/  )). This suggests that when we passively consume information, it can lead to a shallower understanding and shorter retention span than when we actively engage with a subject. Active learning is participatory and interactive. Interactive trainings present learners with opportunities to apply knowledge, receive feedback, and adjust their approach to improve their performance. Dialogic learning is a form of active learning that emphasizes the role of conversation and dialogue. In dialogic learning, the learner learns *together* *with* the trainer and can influence their own learning journey through conversation.  Storification is a newer pedagogical technique based on stories, which aim to enrich learning with meaning. Stories can make new information more understandable, relatable and relevant, which consequently increases retention ([Aura et al., 2021](https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0883035520318346)).    ##### **How CyberCoach Leverages Interactive Dialogic Learning and Storification** Dialogic learning encourages critical thinking by pushing learners to question and challenge their own understanding of a subject. A key component of this is the idea that knowledge and skill are built through dialogue with oneself and others.   We designed CyberCoach to leverage active, dialogic learning and storification throughout our scenario training games, which are interactive conversations based on real-world threat scenarios. Users build their own stories through back-and-forth conversations about what they would do in simulated threat scenarios, and they learn from immediate feedback and realistic consequences of their chosen actions. This is an effective method for building everyday cyber skills, one that can serve as an alternative or complement to traditional email phishing simulations.   Why use a chatbot like CyberCoach for dialogic learning? CyberCoach can give users private and individualized feedback in real time, in a safe, anonymous space. Users can even select the tone, in order to individualize their own learning experience. By contrast, implementing dialogic learning in a traditional classroom setting can be difficult and time-consuming, requiring resources such as teacher training and support. It can be hard to ensure that all learners have an equal opportunity to participate in conversations, as some are naturally more vocal than others. Additionally, some prefer to learn independently or struggle with social interaction and collaboration.   ##### Dialogic Learning is Powerful for Creating Security Culture We believe storification and dialogic learning are not only effective methods for building digital skills but also for building cyber secure culture. One of the biggest barriers to learning security skills is the feeling of powerlessness. Employees at organizations are often told that they are the weakest link. The constant stream of scary cyber breach headlines has left many feeling that their actions do not make a difference. Some users also feel unmotivated after falling victim to cyberattacks or failing workplace phishing simulation tests.  Interactive scenario-based training can build *cyber confidence* as users can (re-)gain trust in their skills and are free to explore in a psychologically safe environment. Users receive the right level of challenge through active dialogue and learn that their actions have a real positive impact. Making mistakes can either discourage or motivate learning. Mistakes made in CyberCoach tend to encourage learning because they provide concrete realistic feedback without anyone in the real world knowing about the mistake. CyberCoach's storified dialogues deliver all the benefits of simulated practice without the usual drawbacks of [simulation testing](https://blog.cybercoach.com/phishing-training-makes-employees-more-prone-to-be-phished?hsLang=en).  Does your security training program leverage dialogic learning?     ## Similar posts Security Culture ### [Delivering Knowledge Where It Matters Most](https://blog.cybercoach.com/delivering-knowledge-where-it-matters-most?hsLang=en) With CyberCoach organizations can instantly turn any policy, guideline, instruction, or process into actionable learning. Dana Paredes Jan 15, 2026 Security Culture ### [Are you Managing Human Risk or Educating People?](https://blog.cybercoach.com/managing-human-risk?hsLang=en) Discover why trust is more effective than control and learn how modern learning platforms like CyberCoach empower employees to take ownership of... Maria Bique Sep 15, 2023 Training ### [Automate Personalized Learning Paths with CyberCoach](https://blog.cybercoach.com/automate-personalized-learning-paths-with-cybercoach-empowering-your-teams-growth?hsLang=en) Learning is not One-Size-Fits-All. Learn how to automate a role-relevant training program that is tailored to user skill level with CyberCoach. Dana Paredes May 25, 2023 ### Get notified of what's going on in AI and security awareness and compliance **Expert Tips:** Stay informed with curated content, expert opinions, and case studies that are relevant to your organization's security awareness strategy. **Special Offers:** Access to CyberCoach promotions and campaigns.  **Stay Informed:** Get the latest insights and updates on security and AI compliance trends, threats, and best practices delivered directly to your inbox. ![cybercoach_logo_white.svg.2023_03_15_16_58_04.0](https://blog.cybercoach.com/hubfs/cybercoach_logo_white.svg.2023_03_15_16_58_04.0.svg) ### Product - [For Developers](https://www.cybercoach.com/secure-development-training-for-developers?hsLang=en) - [AI Security](https://www.cybercoach.com/ai-security-training?hsLang=en) - [Manage Subscription](https://billing.stripe.com/p/login/28o4jRclF4gab1C6oo) - [FAQ](https://www.cybercoach.com/faq?hsLang=en) ### Connect - [Partner Program](https://www.cybercoach.com/partnerships?hsLang=en) - [Careers](https://www.cybercoach.com/careers?hsLang=en) - [For Media](https://www.cybercoach.com/media?hsLang=en) - [Contact Us](https://www.cybercoach.com/contact-us?hsLang=en) ### Legal - [Privacy](https://www.cybercoach.com/cybercoach-website-privacy?hsLang=en) - [General Terms](https://www.cybercoach.com/general-terms?hsLang=en) ### Company - [About Us](https://www.cybercoach.com/about-us?hsLang=en) - [Blog](https://blog.cybercoach.com) - [ESG Policy](https://www.cybercoach.com/esg-policy?hsLang=en) © 2026 CyberCoach All rights reserved ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@type" : "BlogPosting", "author" : { "@type" : "Person", "name" : "Ian Fox", "url" : "https://blog.cybercoach.com/author/ian-fox" }, "dateModified" : "2024-10-04T17:25:02.205Z", "datePublished" : "2024-07-31T11:39:20.000Z", "headline" : "The Pedagogy Behind an Effective Security Awareness Training Program", "image" : [ "https://blog.cybercoach.com/hubfs/dialog%20learning.png" ], "mainEntityOfPage" : { "@id" : "https://blog.cybercoach.com/dialogic-learning", "@type" : "WebPage" }, "publisher" : { "@type" : "Organization", "logo" : { "@type" : "ImageObject", "url" : "https://blog.cybercoach.com/hubfs/cybercoach_marketplace_icon.svg" }, "name" : "CyberCoach" } } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/#organization", "@type" : "Organization", "foundingDate" : "2019", "legalName" : "Cult Security", "logo" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/hubfs/CyberCoach_Full_Logo_Black-2.svg", "name" : "CyberCoach", "sameAs" : [ "https://www.linkedin.com/company/cult-security", "https://x.com/cybercoachUS", "https://www.instagram.com/cybercoachus/", "https://www.youtube.com/@CyberCoachOfficial" ], "url" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/#software", "@type" : "SoftwareApplication", "applicationCategory" : "BusinessApplication", "applicationSubCategory" : "Security awareness and AI skills training", "availableLanguage" : [ "English", "Spanish", "Portuguese (Brazil)", "Portuguese (Portugal)", "French", "Dutch", "German", "Swedish", "Finnish" ], "description" : "CyberCoach is a role-based security awareness, privacy and AI skills training platform that runs as a conversational app inside Microsoft Teams, Slack or a web browser. Employees practice AI skills and responding to social engineering in short, psychologically safe scenario-based sessions. Learning is anonymous while successful completions are recorded per user so the organization can evidence training completion for compliance. CyberCoach can also run on pseudonymous identifiers such as Slack or Microsoft UUIDs, with no personal data shared with CyberCoach.", "featureList" : [ "Conversational phishing and social engineering challenges", "Role-based training programs for technical and non-technical roles", "AI security and AI use training", "Secure coding training for developers", "OT security training", "Custom content creation", "Compliance assessments (ISO/IEC 27001, GDPR, AI compliance)", "Anonymous learning with per-user completion records for compliance", "Optional pseudonymous deployment using Slack or Microsoft UUIDs" ], "name" : "CyberCoach", "offers" : [ { "@type" : "Offer", "description" : "Cover the basics.", "name" : "Starter", "price" : "49", "priceCurrency" : "EUR" }, { "@type" : "Offer", "description" : "Broad topic coverage, custom content, hosted kick-off.", "name" : "Advanced", "price" : "159", "priceCurrency" : "EUR" }, { "@type" : "Offer", "description" : "Full coverage, 24/7 AI chat, compliance assessments, hosted kick-off.", "name" : "Complete", "price" : "179", "priceCurrency" : "EUR" } ], "operatingSystem" : "Microsoft Teams, Slack, Web browser, iOS, Android", "publisher" : { "@id" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/#organization" }, "url" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/" } ``` ```json { "@context" : "https://schema.org", "@id" : "https://www.cybercoach.com/#faq", "@type" : "FAQPage", "mainEntity" : [ { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "CyberCoach is a security awareness, privacy and AI skills training platform that runs inside Microsoft Teams, Slack or a web browser. Employees practice role-based skills such as responding to social engineering, ethical and productive use of AI and even secure coding skills in short conversational scenarios. Learning is anonymous, while successful completions are stored so the organization can evidence training completion for compliance frameworks such as ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2." }, "name" : "What is CyberCoach?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes, but not by sending deceptive emails to employees. CyberCoach uses conversational phishing challenges in which employees practice recognizing and responding to social engineering scenarios in Teams, Slack or the browser. Peer-reviewed research, including Lain et al. (ETH Zurich, 2022 and 2024), finds that traditional email-based simulated phishing does not reduce risk and can increase misplaced trust in the inbox." }, "name" : "Does CyberCoach do phishing tests?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "No. Learning is anonymous: how an employee answered a training scenario is never visible to managers or administrators. What is recorded is successful completion, so the organization can evidence who has completed required training for compliance purposes. This is privacy by design: the sensitive part of the interaction stays private, and only the completion fact is retained." }, "name" : "Are individual employee answers visible to managers?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Yes. CyberCoach can be deployed using pseudonymous identifiers, such as Slack or Microsoft UUIDs, so no personal data is shared with CyberCoach. Compliance reporting still works: the mapping between a UUID and a real person is resolved only for authenticated and authorized administrators within the customer's own organization." }, "name" : "Can CyberCoach be used without sharing personal data?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "CyberCoach supports security awareness and secure development training requirements under ISO/IEC 27001 and SOC 2, and includes assessments covering ISO 27001, GDPR and AI compliance on the Complete plan." }, "name" : "Which compliance requirements does CyberCoach support?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "CyberCoach is available in English, Spanish, Portuguese (Brazil), Portuguese (Portugal), Polish, French, Dutch, German, Swedish, Norwegian, Danish and Finnish, with more languages in development." }, "name" : "Which languages does CyberCoach support?" }, { "@type" : "Question", "acceptedAnswer" : { "@type" : "Answer", "text" : "Plans start at 49 EUR per month for Starter, 159 EUR per month for Advanced and 179 EUR per month for Complete, available monthly or yearly, including through the Microsoft Azure Marketplace." }, "name" : "How much does CyberCoach cost?" } ] } ```