Continuous Learning

Continuous Learning for the Individual

Tell me, I forget. Show me, I remember. Involve me, I understand.

This is an ancient Chinese proverb that offers many interpretations. In the context of modern workplace learning, it holds good for continuous or lifelong learning. As organizations seek to offer a progressive and positive work environment for their employees, we observe an increased focus on continuous learning and learning on the job. It is becoming increasingly difficult for smaller organizations to dedicate a separate window of time for intensive training of their new hires. We are seeing a greater focus on a mentor-based training program, wherein each new hire is assigned to a skilled and experienced professional who would guide the new hire and train them on the job. In this blog post, we will look at the benefits of continuous learning at the workplace and examine how learning as a service is gaining impetus globally.

INTRODUCING CLASS ACADEMY AT SRKAY CONSULTING GROUP

Six Experiential Learning Activities to Use in our SRKay CLASS Academy Infographic

Experimental Learning is a strategy commonly found in K-12 and higher education programs, but it doesn’t always lend itself well to the workplace. This is because it’s often expensive, takes more time to implement and is hard to track and manage, a requirement for most Learning and Development (L&D) teams, and necessary for proving Return on Investment (ROI).

However, more organizations are gravitating to this learning approach because by merging two traditionally separate aspects of training, learning and hands-on experience, learners are generating skills which they can immediately use back on-the-job.

When we talk about what experiential learning looks like in an organization, we generally think of field-based experiences (i.e., out in the real world). However, experiential learning can also happen in a classroom or at work, on-the-job. Let’s take a look at some examples:

1. Role play

Role playing provides a safe environment for employees to encounter different scenarios and make mistakes.

2. Games

Gaming is a popular way to help employees learn by doing. This process can teach them valuable lessons about how to deal with on-the-job situations.

3. Case studies

We know that many people learn better from examples than from basic principles. Case studies are based on real-life situations that have occurred.

4. Simulations

Simulate a real-world situation to which a learner must react. Leaners have the opportunity to practice certain skills and make mistakes in a safe environment.

5. Problem solving

The objective with this approach is to design activities that require learners to come up with solutions – ways of dealing with issues or challenges that they can then use back on-the-job.

6. On-the-job training (OJT)

OJT exposes staff to ‘business as usual’ situations that they will continue to deal with once training is completed.

The Benefits of Continuous Learning at the Workplace are:

By fostering an environment that nurtures continuous learning, organizations can reap the following benefits:

• Empower employees with career-focused learning
• Learn and work simultaneously
• Save costs and time
• Create a strong workforce that can handle challenges
• Build a collaborative learning culture that fosters employee bonding

Continuous Learning Saves Costs and Time

This is a ‘no-brainer’ – when you deploy learning solutions internally for employee training, you save on costs and time. You do not have to bring in an external trainer and pay for the trainer, you do not have to help facilitate special training sessions within the busy schedule of your employees. By granting access to your employees to learn at their convenience, you remove the stress and pressure of completing lessons at a specific time and place. If you have designers internally to create your e-Learning content, it makes things further easier. Alternatively, scout for a trustworthy e-Learning company to design and deploy your employee training content, consider it as a long-lasting investment, which will help your organization grow.

Create a Strong Workforce

‘Never stop learning’ – Three words that pack a lot of emotions. Organizations should strive to create an environment that places a lot of importance on employee learning and skill development. By creating a talent pool of skilled employees, organizations will be better placed to take up challenging projects and deliver them successfully. Continuous learning at the workplace is the best way to make this initiative a success. Prepare for the future and equip your employees with the in-demand skills relevant to your industry and business.

·      Seeking out and participating in training courses

·      Identifying and understanding your skill strengths and the areas where you need improvement

·      Developing your own learning goals at work and in your personal life

·      Applying the lessons you have learned from past experiences to new situations

·      Trying new ways of doing things

·      Recognizing your preferred learning style, for example, learning by seeing, hearing or doing

·      Taking responsibility for your own learning

·      Maintaining your skill levels by practicing what you have learned

Continuous Learning for Groups & Organizations

At the group level, continuous learning is reflected, for example, by a team transforming itself in response to changing conditions.

At the organizational level, continuous learning is increasingly important to the success of the organization because of changing economic conditions. Given the current business environment, organizations must be able to learn continuously in order to deal with these changes and, in the end, to survive and thrive.