Introduction to Training

Factors Determining Human Performance P = M x KSA x E ENVIRONMENT (E) KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS, AND ATTITUDES (KAS) MOTIVATION (M) PERFORMANCE (P)

Stimulus Response Consequence   Behaviorist Model of Learning     Stimulus Response Consequence  

Illustration of Expectancy Theory CONSEQUENCES VALENCE Skills Seen as inadequate   Feel pride and accomplishment Recommended for promotion Skills seen as complete Fall behind at work; feel overloaded, depressed, etc. (.5) (.9) (.3) (.6) (1.0) 1      7 10 Stay on the job and meet work load requirements   Successfully Complete seminar (1.0) EFFORT  

Gagne’s Unusual Approach Until Gagne’ began to write about the application of learning theory in 1965, educators had to make forced choices between learning theories. He gave 8 methods of learning that can be used together and with one another.

Gagné’s Eight Learning Types Description 1. Signal learning Learning a general response to a specific signal. Pavlov’s classical conditioning falls into this category. 2. Stimulus–response (S–R) Learning a single response to a stimulus situation. Basic forms of operant conditioning fall into this category. 3. Shaping Chaining together of two or more S–R associations. Originally termed chaining by Gagné, its also called shaping to avoid confusion.

Gagné’s Eight Learning Types Description 4. Verbal association A chain of two or more verbal associations. Basically the  same as shaping, but the application to language makes this a special case. 5. Multiple discrimination Making different but appropriate responses to stimuli that differ to greater or lesser degrees.

Gagné’s Eight Learning Types Description 6. Concept learning Typically called generalization learning. Learning to make a common response to a group of stimuli having common characteristics or relationships but otherwise differing to greater or lesser degrees. 7. Principle learning Learning to chain two or more concepts by developing a formal, logical relation between the concepts (e.g., “if A then B” formulation).

Gagné’s Eight Learning Types Description 8. Problem solving Learning to combine two or more previously learned principles to produce a novel (to the learner) capability reflecting a higher-order principle.

Subordinate Need for Independence Supervisor Behavior Patterns Recommended for Two Levels of Two Environmental Stimuli Subordinate Need for Independence Task Structure High Low Low initiating structure High participation Low initiating structure Low participation High initiating structure High participation High initiating structure Low participation

Sample orientation day checklist Employee orientation provides new employees with basic background information Programs may range from brief, informal introductions to lengthy, formal courses Sample orientation day checklist

Why Orientation Is Important Orientation explains basics – often provided in an employee handbook Rules and policies are often discussed Makes new employee feel at ease Describes the organization – the big picture Defines expected work behavior Socializes new employee in company’s ways

Learning the Ropes Realistic Orientation Programs for new Employees’ Stress (ROPES) Warn about disappointments How to cope is key Supervisors should monitor newcomers

Training 101 Definition Teaching new employees the basic skills they need to perform their jobs The hallmark of a good manager Lack of productivity

5 Step Training and Development Process Needs analysis Instructional design Validation Implement Evaluation & follow-up

Training Is Learning Make It Meaningful A bird’s-eye view of the material Familiar examples Organize the information Use familiar terms and concepts Use many visual aids

Motivate the Learner Learn by doing Reinforce correct responses Well done Learn by doing Reinforce correct responses Trainees learn best at their own pace Create a perceived training need Scheduling is important