22. Learning and training at work

Question 1

Define learning.

Answer 1

Learning is the process of acquiring knowledge through experience, which leads to changes in behaviour.

Question 2

What are the three main types of learning?

Answer 2

• Informal: usually deliberate but not highly structured.
• Formal: deliberate and highly structured.
• Incidental: learning through a by-product of another activity.

Question 3

What are the four advantages to work-based learning?

Answer 3

1. increased competence
2. increased innovation and creativity
3. increased motivation
4. staff are likely to be more flexible

Question 4

A learning organisation does 4 things:

Answer 4

1. transfers knowledge
2. tolerates risk and failure as learning opportunities
3. learn from others and past experience
4. has a systematic approach to problem solving

Question 5

Experimental learning cycle

• Who’s theory was this?
• What are its components? (4)

Answer 5

Kolb

• concrete experimentation
• reflective observation
• abstract conceptualisation
• active experimentation

Question 6

Kolb also identified four learning styles, these are:

Answer 6

• divergent: feeling and watching
• assimilation: watching and thinking
• convergent: thinking and doing
• accommodative: doing and feeling

Question 7

Within Kolb’s theory, ________ and ______ came up with four alternative classifications of learning styles. These are:

Answer 7

Honey and Mumford

• activists
• reflectors
• theorists
• pragmatists

Question 8

How can you identify when training is needed? (4)

Answer 8

• formal training needs analysis
• performance appraisal
• observation
• organisational strategy

Question 9

How can you evaluate the level of training? (5)

Answer 9

• reaction of those who partook
• tests and interviews
• job behaviour
• organisation
• profitability

Question 10

What are HRs roles within the learning process? (4)

Answer 10

• design career pathways for employees
• inform employees about learning and training development opportunities
• decide when and if training is needed
• create framework for job appraisals

Question 11

What are line managers roles within the learning process? (4)

Answer 11

• identification of learning and training needed in the group that they are responsible for
• monitoring the abilities of individuals within that group
• organising specific training programmes
• offering informal training