Cutting the Apron Strings:
Growing Independent Learners
Get the message out: Learning is not an event, but a process. The responsibility for the learning process rests not with the instructor, but with the learner. This learning paradigm shift will not happen overnight, but needs to be a continual part of every organizationÕs learning philosophy. We need to cut the apron strings that limited learning to a place and time and instead provide a forum that promotes active learning.
What steps can you take to create and foster independent learners?
Before the Training:
1.Get the learner involved in meeting with managers to identify skill needs and training resources.
2.Have learners review course descriptions and set objectives prior to coming to class or beginning a computer-based training (CBT) or Web-based training (WBT) course.
3.Have learners talk to managers and other users of the software in their department and in other departments. Suggest that they talk to other learners who participated in the training so they will get an idea of how the training will be used on the job and what the course includes.
4.Identify any prerequisites for the training and make sure the learners complete them.
5.Prescreen learners. Make sure the right person is coming to the right class at the right time. Use pre- and post-tests to assist with the screening process.
6.If CBT or WBT media is used, hold a preliminary Getting Started session with the learners to make sure they understand how to start, navigate, stop, and resume in the program. Set time frames and schedules for the desktop training to occur.
7.Build in feedback, mentors, and reporting to ensure that on-line learning is happening and is being supported.
8.Ask learners what type of learning they prefer and why. Try to accommodate their learning preferences and help them make adjustments if preferred methods are not available.
9.Expose learners to alternative learning tools. Use presentations, on-line conferences, and e-mail with links to demonstrate alternate delivery techniques.
10.Identify the responsibilities and expectations of the learners. Clarify the role of the learner in the learning process, as well as the roles of the manager, the training department, and the instructor.
In the Classroom:
1.Ask rather than tell. Ask ÒWhat now?Ó and other leading questions to force the learners to read the screens and look at menu options when determining the next action.
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