Workplace Learning and Development: Delivering Competitive Advantage for Your Organization [Paperback]

This book successfully combines an overview of the theory of learning with a wealth of practical advice and experience. Great for managers and HR practitioners at any level to dip into for inspiration. (Colin Woodward, Head of HR, Independent Police Complaints Commission )

This is a no-nonsense, up to date, whistle stop tour of learning and development in the workplace, written for the busy manager with a people development responsibility. It is very readable, and, unusually, written at the level of method - the all important how to actually do it! (Colin Beard, M.Ed., CFCIPD, FRSA, National Teaching Fellow, Faculty of Organisation & Management, Sheffield Hallam University )

"Discusses alternatives to workplace courses as the sole method of workplace learning and development, it also discusses means for selecting methods, provides case studies of development plans in practice, and considers the issue of assessment."

"Useful overview for new entrants to the training profession and for those managers whose brief includes training."

This book is about making a difference through workplace learning and development. It offers advice and demonstrates the positive impact it can have on an organization.

Learning and development is essential to organizational success. Training courses were traditionally used as the key method of teaching, but increasingly the focus is shifting to individuals and managers adopting a more flexible approach to learning. Organizations are being held responsible for maximizing the skills, knowledge and behaviours available to them, ensuring that employees are not solely learning new skills, but are using their existing skills to maximum effect.

Workplace Learning and Development guides managers and employees through the concept of workplace learning. It identifies the variety of flexible learning strategies and methods, explains how to select the right method for a specific situation, and illustrates how these methods can add value to overall performance. Real-life examples of workplace learning are included to allow readers to gain insight into how it works and more importantly, how they could use it to address their specific needs.

Sara Thorpe and Jackie Clifford are trainers with a wealth of experience drawn from a wide range of organizations. They are also the authors of The Coaching Handbook, published by Kogan Page.

Introduction

CHAPTER 1 Setting the Scene: Learning and Development in Context

The move from training and development to learning and development

Vocabulary and terminology -- what do we mean?

CHAPTER 2 Analysing Development Needs

Identifying the impact of changes

Clarifying standards

Assessing the current position

CHAPTER 3 An Introduction to Adult Learning

Knowledge, skills and attitudes -- Bloom's taxonomy

Kolb's experiential learning cycle

Honey and Mumford's learning styles

Sensory learning preferences

Theory of competence

Motivating adults to learn

An introduction to organizational learning summary

CHAPTER 4 Learning and Development Methods

Action learning

Apprenticeships

Coaching

Delegation

Discussion boards and groups

Distance learning

Drama-based learning

E-learning

Executive coaching

Mentoring

Networking

On-the-job training

Outdoor education/learning

Professional membership

Professional supervision

Projects

Qualifications

Reflective practice

Secondments

Self-study

Shadowing

Temporary promotion

Trade exhibitions

Training courses

Organizational learning methods

CHAPTER 5 Selecting the Right Methods

Checklist for selecting development methods

CHAPTER 6 Development Plans: Theory into Practice

Development plans

CHAPTER 7 Assessing the Impact

Why assess the impact?

How can the impact be assessed?

Added value and unintended outcomes

CHAPTER 8 Putting Your Learning into Practice