Workplace learning has evolved significantly. But many organisations still need to make an effort to shift from social learning to collaborative learning.
An LMS like Dokeos helps companies achieve this objective.
Most of our knowledge is gained through our interactions
Did you know that 66% of training professionals still have difficulty engaging employees? A knowledge worker (as opposed to one that produces goods or services) only devotes an average of 1% of their time to training and development! This is despite the fact that development opportunities are a key factor for staying with an employer!
So, what do we know about workplace learning methods? According to Bersin, learners retain:
- 5% of what they hear
- 10% of what they read
- 50% of what they learn through discussion and interaction
- 75% or more of what they learn from on-the-job training
In other words, people learn more from discussion and social interaction than they do on their own! Yet, all too often, workplace learning is still viewed as an individual and solitary task…
The 5 stages of workplace learning
Jane Hart, founder of the Centre for Learning and Performance Technologies, has identified 5 stages of workplace learning:
- Classroom training
- eLearning
- Blended learning
- Social learning
- Collaborative learning
Workplace learning has evolved significantly over the past five years. It has moved away from very formal training, with top-down control from the organisation, to more informal learning. And the current trend is towards social learning. Although useful, social learning is not that revolutionary, according to Hart. It’s simply about adding on new social functionality (calendar sharing, chats, videoconferencing, podcasts, forums, wikis, etc) to the traditional model of learning!
So, what are most companies lacking in their learning strategy that could make a big difference to their overall effectiveness?
Collaborative learning, the final stage of workplace learning
Companies need to create a new paradigm: collaborative learning. Here are three tips from Jane Hart to help companies change their mindset – and enable their employees to take charge of their own learning!
- Learning should be a part of work, not separate from it. Work is learning; and learning is work.
- Learning during work needs to be enabled, supported and encouraged. Not designed or managed!
- The company needs to become agile. It must enable its workforce to survive in today’s world of work by making them autonomous, independent, but also inter-dependent. It shouldn’t take on the impossible task of providing the workforce with everything they need to do their work.
Are you ready to fully embrace collaborative learning, while continuing to invest in formal learning (eLearning and blended learning) with the right LMS? We can help you! Why not contact us?
Image source and credits:
- https://www.c4lpt.co.uk/blog/2015/03/30/5-stages-of-workplace-learning-revisited-again/
- Josh Bersin. “Collaborative Learning: Formalizing Informal Learning.” Bersin. May 21, 2008. Page 4.
