Promote a culture of learning by embracing different ways of learning.

There is a difference between setting learning requirements and creating a culture where people can and want to learn. Laura Baldwin and Adam Witwer of the O’Reilly Learning Society point out some of the key differences in Hands-on learning is essential to developing and maintaining technical skills.

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Organizations that have employees meet a mandatory learning mandate, which may include watching a specific number of videos, reading a book, or earning a certificate, are rooted in learning requirements. linear learning. Linear learning, which is sequential and continuous, is how most people develop new skills. However, the authors note that this is not always the most effective method of equipping workers with the skills they need to solve workplace problems in real time.

Non-linear learning, i.e. learning by doing, occurs when individuals, who often already have some experience with the subject, research and find solutions to a problem in the workflow. For example, an employee might skim through a resource manual to find a solution to a problem and then immediately apply that method.

According to Degree 2021 How the Workforce Learns report, employers who encourage learning have higher rates of people participating in experiential, interactive and educational activities.

The ability to locate and apply knowledge instantly and when needed is what Baldwin and Witwer call “hands-on learning at its best”. Non-linear or experiential learning helps workers acquire and refine their skills. Advances in technology have created ways that allow employees to more easily access knowledge to apply in real time.

Degreed’s report found that people working at companies that promote learning read online newsletters, search the internet and watch videos every week to learn. They also listen to podcasts and use mobile learning apps every month. More than half said their managers also recommended learning resources or development opportunities.

Baldwin and Witwer point out that linear learning has its place and is particularly useful for engaging learners with content they are unfamiliar with. Understanding how workers learn can help talent development professionals provide a variety of learning and training opportunities and reinforce a positive learning culture.

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