3.1. Training Delivery: Learning Theories

Introduction to AOE #3: Training Delivery: Deliver informal and formal learning solutions in a manner that is both engaging and effective and 3.1. Learning Theories (for Training Adults): What cognition and learning theories form the foundation for the talent development profession to improve skills, knowledge and performance deficits that support business strategy? (AOE 3. Training Delivery; 3.1. Learning Theories)
AOE 3: Training Delivery        
Delivering learning solutions in a manner that both engages the learner and produces desired outcomes; managing and responding to learner needs; ensuring that learning is made available in effective platforms and delivered in a timely and effective manner (ASTD, 2013). This section is weighted 13-14% of the exam; 20-21 questions)    

This AOE for Training Delivery we are going to emphasize all about learning. To train effectively you need to build a culture of learning (ATD, 2016) -- as this results in a high-performing organizations that is:
  • 5 times more likely than lower performing companies to have extensive learning cultures
  • 2x more apt to say their learning functions help meet organizational business goals
  • Share knowledge with colleagues at a rate 4x greater than that at employees at lower-performing firms
Training Delivery: Deliver informal and formal learning solutions in a manner that is both engaging and effective (ASTD Handbook, 2nd Edition)

The Value of Training (IBM, 2014)
report says that 84% of employees in the best performing organizations are receiving the training they need, compared with 16% in the poorest performing companies. Key knowledge areas for talent development related to training delivery includes (also related to AOE: 2 - Instructional Design): 
  • Learning theories
  • Instructional methods
  • Ways to facilitate informal learning and build learning communities
  • Various delivery options and media
  • Existing and emerging learning technologies
  • Facilitation and presentation techniques and tools
  • Individual learning modalities
  • Organizing or cultural differences
  • Own personal training preferences
  • Familiarity with content
  • Legal and ethical issues related to training delivery

Books read and referenced for AOE #3 on Training Delivery:
  • ASTD Handbook: The Definitive Reference for Training & Development Edited by Elaine Biech
  • Training and Development for Dummies by Elaine Biech
  • Virtual Training Basics, 2nd Edition by Cindy Huggett
  • Employee Training & Development, 7th Edition by Raymond Noe
  • Technology for Trainers, 2nd Edition by Thomas Toth
  • Virtual Training Tools and Templates by Cindy Huggett
  • Telling Ain’t Training, 2nd Edition by Harold Stolovitch and Erica Keeps

3.1. Learning Theories
Learning Theory: What cognition and learning theories form the foundation for the talent development profession to improve skills, knowledge and performance deficits that support business strategy? (AOE 3. Training Delivery; 3.1. Learning Theories)

Learning objective
: Discuss the importance of adult learning theories and techniques for delivering training.

Key goals for learning theories in talent development: 
  • To motivate adult learners
  • Plan instruction for adults
  • Work with groups of professionals
  • Work with individual learners
  • Help learners transfer training/learning experience
  • Deal with the barriers adult learners face for training
Adult learning theories: attempt to explain how adults learn. Some look at what is observable -- stimulus and response; and other look at memory and propose environmental factors
  • To create relevance by mapping courses with perceived learner needs 
  • To devise instructional strategies in alignment with real learning contexts
  • To choose the technology that best supports the instructional strategy 
  • To plan instructional strategies relevant for digital-age and on-the-go learners 
  1. Andragogy: Tapping Into Prior Experience 
  2. Transformational Learning: Revealing Perspectives to Create Aha Moments
  3. Experiential Learning: Tying Reality to Create Meaning 

Stay tuned and/or check out Learning Theories in Section 2. Instructional Design -- there will be more of a deep dive there. This was just a teaser or follow up -- depending on the order you are listening to and reviewing my study notes. 

Books mentioned in this episode:
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