Learning in the Workplace Module from SIOP

Learning in the Workplace (assuming you have held a job) How did you learn how to perform your job? What types of training methods do you think work best? What makes a good teacher / trainer?

Learning in Industrial-Organizational Psychology Learning can be (but may not often be) examined through the lenses of – Classical & Operant Conditioning – Behavior Modification – Cognitive theories Typically, “learning” science and practice in I-O Psychology tends to focus on – Types of training – The training process / training principles – Trainer and trainee characteristics

Types of Training / Learning Traditional Education / Courses – (Online or Distance-Based Courses) Work Experiences Mentoring Coaching

Training Process Typical Process – Needs Analysis – Design – Evaluation (some) Training Design Principles & Activities: – Spaced vs. massed practice – Feedback – Automaticity / Overlearning – Advance Organizers – Error-based learning – Behavior modeling – Work simulations / games

Trainer / Trainee Characteristics Trainee Characteristics – Intelligence – Motivation – Self-efficacy – Locus of control (internal will be more motivated) – Demographics Trainer Characteristics – Clarity – Organization – Enthusiasm / Engagement

For More Information… Brown, K. G., & Sitzmann, T. (2010). Training and employee development for improved performance. In S. Zedeck (Ed.), APA Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp ). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Eby, L. T. (2010). Mentoring. In S. Zedeck (Ed.), APA Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp ). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association. Goldstein, I. L., & Ford, J. K. (2002). Training in organizations (4 th Ed.). Belmont, CA: Wadsworth. Peterson, D. B. (2010). Executive coaching: A critical review and recommendations for advancing the practice. In S. Zedeck (Ed.), APA Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp ). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.