It’s common at this time of year for people to gaze into their crystal ball or look thoughtfully at the bottom of their teacup. The results of this soothsaying vary, and hindsight can be a cruel critic. But when Robin Hoyle delivers his prognostication for Learning & Development, it’s worth paying attention.
I hope the three trends he identifies accelerate. See his article in Training Zone.
Learning transfer to take a more prominent role
Given my interest and research in learning transfer, I am pleased to see it makes Robin’s list. What he describes as a learning journey is similar to my concept of a learning workflow that scaffolds the journey from where someone is to where we want them to be in terms of a behavioural destination.
He suggests to design for implementation:
- A clear path for how our colleagues and clients will do things differently, set out in learning journey designs and learning programmes and initiatives
- The creation of resources, support tools and check ins to enable people to not only try things out, but gain feedback and practical support that helps us avoid reversion to the tried and tested
- An environment within teams, and above teams, that facilitates experimentation, continued learning on the job and meaningful reflection
These bullet points refer to the workflow of activities required, the resources they need along the way, and a friendly environment for change. All essential.
Learning Transfer Motivation
I would also add a fourth bullet that refers to the mindset of the learner as a critical success factor for learning transfer. They need to believe the journey is worth the effort. I.e. they have a sufficiently powerful ‘Why’, and believe that they, together with the support they have available, are capable of successfully completing the journey.
So, grab your preferred prognostication tool and consider what is coming at you in your L&D role this year. How can you leverage what is coming?
And…
“The best way to predict the future is to design it” is often attributed to Alan Kay, a pioneering computer scientist and visionary.
With learning transfer in mind – what will you design into your future this year?
My best wishes, Paul
