Learning Theory (5)

Question 1

Learning theories are useful in helping employers to?

Answer 1

understand human behavior toward learning.

Question 2

The behaviourist approach assumes that desired outcomes can be positively reinforced through?

Answer 2

repetition until they become behaviours.

Question 3

Explain Cognitive theory?

Answer 3

Through the cognitive approach to learning, we begin to explore how thoughts, feelings and actions impact learning. Cognitive theory recognises that the learning process is influenced by the effects of external stimuli on the learner’s behaviour. A learner’s behaviour is changed through their experience of a particular environment

Question 4

According to the Social constructivist theory?

Answer 4

this theory, results of learning initiatives are not easy to measure. Constructivists believe that learning is an active process where learners build upon past experiences and knowledge to create new knowledge.

Question 5

The theory of adult learning centres on the idea that adults, in contrast to children?

Answer 5

• are self-directed;
• must understand the value in what they are doing;
• bring life experiences to learning;
• arrive with a ‘readiness to learn’;
• are motivated to learn; and
• are goal-orientated.

Question 6

Look at Table 5.1: Matrix of learning theories in you textbook

Question 7

Negative aspects of Behaviourist theory?

Answer 7

Positive:
- Creates measurable results
- Easily quantifiable
- Used for tasks-based training
- Brilliant for drilling automatic behaviours
Negative:
- Too simplistic
- Does not consider the process of learning
- Does not view the learner as part of the learning process
- Assumes the learner cannot learn on their own

Question 8

Negative aspects of Andragogy theory?

Answer 8

Begins to acknowledge adults as:
Positive:
- Self-directed
- Needing to understand the value in what they are doing
- Bringing life experiences to learning
- Arriving with a ‘readiness to learn’
- Motivated to learn
- Goal-orientated
Negative:
- Hard to measure

Question 9

Learning transfer is the process of acquiring knowledge in?

Answer 9

one setting and transferring it into another.

Question 10

Training design is influenced by the learning theories incorporated by the organisation?

Answer 10

learning content, and the desired outcomes of training

Question 11

The work environment can improve the transfer of learning and incorporates the following areas?

Answer 11

• Transfer climate: The general positive feeling and attitude toward learning brought about by people applying their learned skills and knowledge at work.
• Support: From supervisors and peers.
• Opportunity to perform: In companies where resources are available for training and development, learning transfer is more prevalent

Question 12

One of the most effective ways to achieve lifelong learning is to?

Answer 12

make the content relevant and meaningful to the learners

Question 13

Conditions of transfer: According to the model, training design has a direct effect on the training output and an indirect effect on conditions of transfer, whereas trainee characteristics and the work environment have a direct impact on conditions of transfer.

Question 14

The following conditions will improve transfer?

Answer 14

• Similarity between training setting and stimulus in the performance setting
• The readiness of the individual to learn
• Whether training design acknowledges individual learning

Question 15

Explain Process of learning transfer?

Answer 15

We have seen that the process of learning transfer has occurred when knowledge learned in one setting (the training environment) is successfully used in another environment (the workplace

Question 16

Below are a few further distinctions regarding the types of learning transfers?

Answer 16

• Positive vs. negative transfer: Positive transfer refers to the way in which knowledge in one context can improve the acquisition of knowledge in another context. Negative transfer, on the other hand, refers to how knowledge in one context can inhibit the acquisition of knowledge in another.
• Simple vs. complex transfer: Simple transfer is when little or no effort is required to apply what has been learned, and complex transfer refers to a higher-grade application of the knowledge.
• Near vs. far transfer: Near transfer refers to how close to the learning setting a task is, whereas far transfer refers to how different the task is from the original learning task.
• Automatic vs. mindful transfer: A task that is practised very often can become automatic to an individual, whereas some knowledge will need intentional (mindful) application even once it has been learned.

Question 17

Type of learning transfer?

Answer 17

Positive:
- Previous experience working with Excel has helped me understand this new accounting software.
- Negative:
I used to drive an automatic car so now I struggle to remember to shift gears in my manual car.
- Simple
I am taught how to do a balance sheet and I am given an example to complete on my own.
- Complex
- I build on my basic knowledge of balance sheets and eventually I know how to perform a financial audit on an organisation.
- Near:
I write a maths exam and similar examples to those in the mock question paper appear.
- Far
- I use my maths knowledge to manage all the finances at my organisation.
- Automatic
I tie my shoelaces so often that the action is automatic.
- Mindful
I am mindful when applying problem-solving skills to address conflict in the workplace.

Question 18

Opportunities to learn must be a part of?

Answer 18

Everyday life at work.

Question 19

Identify the types of learning transfers that can be seen in the following examples:
Jess rides a bicycle without thinking about her actions?

Answer 19

Automatic transfer

Question 20

Identify the types of learning transfers that can be seen in the following examples: Liam’s company recently upgraded to an e-system but he keeps finding himself using the old manual inventory form instead of the new e-form?

Answer 20

Negative transfer

Question 21

Explain ‘Far transfer’?

Answer 21

Lebo is using the painting technique she learned back in grade 10 to illustrate for a project at work.

Question 22

Explain Complex transfer?

Answer 22

Since Shannon did very well at English at school, she finds it enjoyable to write the monthly staff newsletter.

Answer 23

The following aspects of programme design relating to practise conditions need to be considered:

• Practise tasks separately or as a whole
• Time between learning the theory and practising it
• Practise everything together or space it out over time
• Decide how much practice is enough
  -Complexity and risk involved in the practised task – the more high-risk and complicated, the more practice will be required

Question 24

Tailoring the organisational context for learning
The organisational context refers to structure and culture that promotes learning in the workplace. The following are some of the factors that will lead to effective learning?

Answer 24

• Availability of knowledge
• Opportunities to practise
• Access to resources
• Management support
• Funds for training
• Communication regarding training, including feedback

Question 25

Explain Using feedback?

Answer 25

Feedback helps employers and employees identify whether learning transfer has taken place. When learning transfer has not taken place, the problem should be investigated, because it could mean that either retraining or redesign of the learning programme is necessary.

Question 26

Overcoming interference
In the context of workplace learning, interference can come in the form of?

Answer 26

old habits that inhibit new learning.
When we are used to doing things a certain way, those things become second nature

Question 27

Employees who typically struggle with interference are?

Answer 27

• employees who come from a company where things were done differently;
• employees entering the workplace for the first time, who expect to find theoretical models based on their textbook knowledge in practice; and
• employees under new management with new ideas.

Question 28

to ensure the transfer of learning are as follows:?

Answer 28

• Ensure similarity between the training and job situations.
• Provide opportunities for the newly acquired skills to be used in the workplace.
• Design training material that highlights training applicability.
• Provide relevant examples related to the job environment when teaching new skills.
• Affirm employees who are integrating what they learned into their job situation.

Question 29

Age plays a significant role in learning for adults. Learning will take place differently at the various stages in a person’s life, but it has been generally observed, that as one ages?

Answer 29

it becomes more difficult to memorise content

Question 30

Nero Chemicals has decided to send a few of their staff members on a training course to prepare for the launch of their online catalogue. Before the training course, employees were using manual ordering systems and printed catalogues. Most of the employees do not work with computers on a daily basis and are feeling quite anxious. The managers of Nero Chemicals cannot afford for staff members to spend time completing assignments and practising during working hours, because there is other work that needs to be done. On the day that the online catalogue launches, the company is flooded with complaints about delays and incompetent staff. Management call you in as an HRD professional and ask for your advice.

Required:
What learning principles have been ignored?

Answer 30

Overcoming interference; organisational context must be tailored for learning; employees need opportunities to practise.

Question 31

What advice would you give the company to rectify the situation?

Answer 31

The following answers are appropriate:
- Staff should be properly trained, and the fact that they have not worked on computers before should be taken into account.
- The organisation should provide more support for learners by allowing them time to practise their newly acquired skills.
- Discuss real-life problems encountered on launch day and base the learning programme around solutions.

Question 32

The legal definition of an adult is an individual who has reached?

Answer 32

the age of 18 years old and is assumed to be independent enough to care for themselves.

Question 33

According to this institution, if the following applies to a learner, then they are considered an adult learner (Illinois State University?

Answer 33

• They are employed full-time or part-time.
• They are a person with dependents.
• They have additional responsibilities such as a family, a career or a community

Question 34

The following are examples of conversations that address the need to know?

Answer 34

• Formal setting (e.g. training course): ‘The objective of this course is to improve professionalism in the workplace.’
• Informal setting (e.g. morning meeting): ‘Riyaaz displayed amazing initiative the other day when he reported the broken tile in the parking lot as a potential safety hazard. We could all learn something from him.’

Question 35

Adult learners need to feel that they are responsible for?

Answer 35

their own learning.

Question 36

The role of learner expeience?

Answer 36

Experience can also be recognised in informal ways; for example, by giving a woman who works in a male-dominated industry the opportunity to lead debates around gender equality in the workplace.

Question 37

Orientation to learning?

Answer 37

Adults are problem-centred in their orientation to learning. They want to learn based on the problems they are faced with on a daily basis at work, as opposed to theories that may not be applicable but are taught as part of a curriculum

Question 38

Motivation to learn

Answer 38

Adult learners are driven to learn by external motivators like increased salaries or the possibility of a promotion.

Question 39

List at least five intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors that are commonly found in the workplace?

Answer 39

*Intrinsic factors:
- Improved efficiency on the job
- Being able to help others
- Increased self-efficacy
- Personal progression
- Self-fulfilment
- Reaching personal life goals

*Extrinsic factors:
- Higher salary
- Promotion
- Recognition
- Career advancement
- To become employee of the year

Question 40

For each of the following scenarios, predict the preferred learning style, based on the results page shown:
a) Do you think the student would prefer learning about the theories underlying media studies, or the facts relating to the history of the media? Explain your answer.

Answer 40

You should have printed your results from the Index of Learning Styles, in order to compare them to the example provided.

Question 41

For each of the following scenarios, predict the preferred learning style, based on the results page shown:
Do you think the student would prefer learning about the theories underlying media studies, or the facts relating to the history of the media? Explain your answer.
Do you think the student would prefer listening to a podcast on the principles of marketing, or watching a PowToon explainer video on this topic? Explain your answer.

Answer 41

As the student is a verbal learner, they would prefer to listen to a podcast, as they prefer hearing someone explain content to them rather than watching videos.

Question 42

According to Knowles (1973), the key considerations underlying adult learning are as follows?

Answer 42

• The need to know
• Self-concept
• Experience
• Readiness to learn
• Orientation
• Motivation

Question 43

then they are considered an adult learner?

Answer 43

• They are employed full-time or part-time.
• They are a person with dependents.
• They have additional responsibilities such as a family, a career or a community.

Question 44

The following are examples of conversations that address the need to know?

Answer 44

• Formal setting (e.g. training course): ‘The objective of this course is to improve professionalism in the workplace.’
• Informal setting (e.g. morning meeting): ‘Riyaaz displayed amazing initiative the other day when he reported the broken tile in the parking lot as a potential safety hazard.

Question 45

List at least five intrinsic and extrinsic motivational factors that are commonly found in the workplace?

Answer 45

*intrinsic factors:
- Improved efficiency on the job
- Being able to help others
- Increased self-efficacy
- Personal progression
- Self-fulfilment
- Reaching personal life goals

*Extrinsic factors:
- Higher salary
- Promotion
- Recognition
- Career advancement
- To become employee of the year

Question 46

Compare this results page to your own. How is it similar? How it is different?

Answer 46

Here you should explain where there are similarities between your own results and the example shown in the Exercise section. You might also be an intuitive learner, or you might be a sensing learner instead. Note these details down as your answer.

Question 47

For each of the following scenarios, predict the preferred learning style, based on the results page shown?
a) Do you think the student would prefer learning about the theories underlying media studies, or the facts relating to the history of the media? Explain your answer.
b) Do you think the student would prefer listening to a podcast on the principles of marketing, or watching a PowToon explainer video on this topic? Explain your answer.
c) you think that the student would prefer learning about writing press releases in a step-by-step manner, or writing a press release in one go, and then looking back at the steps involved? Explain your answer.

Answer 47

The answers as suggested by the example shown in the Exercise section are:

a) The student would much prefer learning about theories and ideas, as they are a fully intuitive learner.
b) As the student is a verbal learner, they would prefer to listen to a podcast, as they prefer hearing someone explain content to them rather than watching videos.
c) The student would prefer learning in a step-by-step manner, as they are a sequential learner. As they are only slightly more sequential than global, they may benefit from seeing a bigger-picture view too.

Question 48

There are many benefits that learners can gain from gamification in learning, such as?

.

Answer 48

• Better learning experience
• Better learning environment
• Instant feedback:
• Prompting behavioural change interactions to gain badges, better high scores, or to have a record of their progress that they can share with others. This is effective because it is encouraged and rewarded in the very design of the educational games and interactions themselves.
• Application for most learning needs

Question 48

Explain The accounting cycle?

Answer 48

• Transaction
• Source documents
• Books of original entry (journals)
• Ledger
• Trial Balance
• Financial statements

Question 49

Remember, a contra account name cannot be the same as the name of the account being prepared, otherwise it would?

Answer 49

not be a contra (i.e. opposite) account.

Question 50

Blue Bakery’s Bank account contains the following transactions in the ledger.
R 4 000 Balance b/d
R 2 000 Sales
R 2 500 Loan repayment
What would the Balance c/d value be at the end of the month?

Answer 50

R3 500

Question 51

Where would the opening balance of a favourable bank account be recorded?

Answer 51

Debit side of the general ledger

Question 52

How many Bank accounts are there in a general ledger?

Answer 52

One

Question 53

A business receives R 5000 cash for goods sold. The accountant, therefore, debits the bank account for R 5000. What contra account needs to be credited?

Answer 53

Sales

Question 54

According to the accounting cycle, where are transactions posted at the end of each month?

Answer 54

General ledger