Training & Development
Developing Active and Effective Employee Training
As the nature of work-related expectations continues to change, organizations and individuals must adapt to new ways of learning within the workplace. Creating a dynamic environment capable of responding effectively to the demands of continuous change requires empowering employees and may be achieved through training that utilizes active learning.What Is Active Learning?
Active learning allows participants more control over their environment and the responsibility for learning. Three formal training design elements for guiding participants are used with active learning:- Cognitive – how is the trainee focusing attention?
- Motivational– where is the effort of the trainee being directed?
- Emotional – in what ways is the trainee “managing” emotions?
How to Include Active Learning in Training
Each active learning design element contains a set of specific components for inclusion in a training program, and ensures that trainees maintain control over their learning. Cognitive. Instead of expecting trainees to retain information that has simply been presented to them, exploratory learning allows trainees to specifically focus their attention on the task presented. This can be accomplished through:- Active Exploration – trainee is given minimal guidance, and allowed to freely explore and experiment with the tasks
- Guided Exploration – trainee explores the task in a systematic way, planned by the trainer
Practical Implications
Employers who want to use a more active approach to learning must take steps to ensure that trainees are attending to the cognitive, motivational and emotional processes occurring during training sessions. The formal training design elements incorporate exploratory learning, error-tolerance and reinforcing positive emotion can increase active learning in trainees. As with any training development, the overall goals of the training (i.e. mastery of the information) and individual differences of the trainee (i.e. cognitive abilities) must be taken into account; however, active learning can be an extremely useful method for increasing employees’ knowledge and skills.Interpretation by:
Elizabeth Allen
DeGarmo Group
This was a summary of the research and practice implications from: Bell, B. & Kozlowski, S. (2008). Active Learning: Effects of Core Training Design Elements on Self-regulatory Processes, Learning and Adaptability. Journal of Applied Psychology. 93 (8). 296-316.