Each year in the United States about $135 billion is spent in training employees but those billions do not always improve the workplace because the skills often do not transfer to the actual job.
"Learning is a way of life in organizations," says Eduardo Salas, a psychological scientist from the University of Central Florida. "Everyone gets training. But what matters? What works? What influences learning and skill acquisition?"
In a new report published in Psychological Science in the Public Interest, a journal of the Association for Psychological Science, Salas and co-authors conclude that when this money is well spent, "training and development activities allow organizations to adapt, compete, excel, innovate, produce, be safe, improve service and reach goals."
One of the most important things that "matters", the researchers found in their survey of the vast scientific literature on the science of training, is that human resource executives, chief learning officers and business leaders should view training as a whole system and not a one-time event. This means that what happens before and after the actual training are just as important as the training itself.
Training is especially effective when various jobs in the organization have been analyzed, the skill sets of its employees are understood, supervisors and leaders are all on the same page and trainees are motivated to learn. During the training, whether it is computer and technology based or in a classroom, sufficient structure and guidance should be offered to trainees while still giving them opportunities to make decisions about their learning experience. After the training, trainees should have ample time and opportunities to use what they have learned in the real world with real feedback.
The individual characteristics that trainees bring to a learning environment are especially important to consider when implementing training programs. Research shows that trainees who believe that their abilities actually influence training outcomes are more likely to persist in learning activities, even when they encounter challenges. And psychological science has also shown that trainees who are oriented toward mastery or learning may perform better when they can control how they explore and organize training material, whereas trainees who are oriented toward performance seem to do better in highly structured environments that involve successively more complex tasks.
The broader psychological science of learning can also inform effective training programs. Research shows that a gap exists between performance in training and the integration of newly learned skills on the job. But that gap can be narrowed through the application of various empirically tested insights into learning. For example, repeating tasks within increasingly complicated contexts helps to ensure that learning lasts over time. Furthermore, encountering errors during training helps to prepare trainees for real-life situations as they are required to apply concepts learned in training. Finally, watching someone else perform certain skills can also contribute to learning, a concept scientists refer to as behavioral role modeling.
Despite the wealth of practical and scientific research in this field, as Paul W Thayer, professor of psychology from North Carolina State University in Raleigh points out in his commentary accompanying the article, "There is still a tendency in business, government, and academia to adopt programs based on little more than attractiveness, modishness, or a desire to keep up with others in the field."
Salas and his colleagues have tips for policymakers, too, who may need to assess skills across an entire country or geographic region, and whose goals are more likely to include skills that are relevant to many jobs to ease employee transfers. Establishing a well-prepared labor pool can help to attract businesses, provide jobs, and increase competitiveness in a given area or industry. With this in mind, the authors emphasize that "government should not be promoting or investing in training efforts that fail to incorporate the principles of good training."
Policymakers can use the best practices of training evaluation to scrutinize funded training programs for inefficiencies and determine whether those programs still merit funding.
Read more here:
The science of training and development in organizations: What really matters, what really works
- Dan Ariely: It’s OK to cheat and steal (sometimes) [Last Updated On: April 7th, 2010] [Originally Added On: April 7th, 2010]
- Full Sail Behavioral Science Leadership Podcast [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- Full Sail Behavioral Science Passion [Last Updated On: August 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 27th, 2011]
- 13H Refutes CCHR: Industry of Death (Behavioral Science) [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- College of Social and Behavioral Science [Last Updated On: August 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 28th, 2011]
- GB: Behavioral Science Bill For Propaganda [Last Updated On: August 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 29th, 2011]
- Criminal Minds - The Behavioral Science Part 2 [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Santhula Hospital - A clinical and research center for Nuero-behavioral Science [Last Updated On: August 31st, 2011] [Originally Added On: August 31st, 2011]
- Behavioral Science Self-Assesment Project [Last Updated On: September 2nd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 2nd, 2011]
- Behavioral Science: OPTIMAN [Last Updated On: September 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 3rd, 2011]
- Forget the Cinderella effect: stepparents are just as likely to kill their biological children as their stepchildren [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- The Behavioural Science Blog in 2010 [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- introduction to behavioral science [Last Updated On: September 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 4th, 2011]
- CSU's Behavioral Sciences Building [Last Updated On: September 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 5th, 2011]
- Criminal Minds Season 2 - Backstage - Behavioral Science Real-life Criminal Minds (1 of 2) [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science: Goldielocks [Last Updated On: September 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 6th, 2011]
- Dean Welcome Message - CalSouthern School of Behavioral Sciences [Last Updated On: September 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 7th, 2011]
- Criminal Minds - The Behavioral Science Part 1 [Last Updated On: September 9th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 9th, 2011]
- TEDx Bandung-Roby Muhamad-Socio Behavioural Science [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- How Behavioral Science Applies to Marketing - Jason Anello [Last Updated On: September 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 14th, 2011]
- Public Health Behavioral Science [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Full Sail Behavioral Science Video [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- Introduction to Behavioural Science [Last Updated On: September 15th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 15th, 2011]
- University of Arizona College of Social and Behavioral Sciences Commencement Speech [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Introduction to Behavioral Sciences OSPE [Last Updated On: September 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 17th, 2011]
- Get to know NAU's College of Social and Behavioral Sciences [Last Updated On: September 20th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 20th, 2011]
- 3 Minute Thesis 2010 runner-up - Will Harrison, Faculty of Social [Last Updated On: September 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 24th, 2011]
- New Behavioral Sciences Building at Colorado State University [Last Updated On: September 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 27th, 2011]
- Intro to Psych Statistics [Last Updated On: September 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 28th, 2011]
- Why Do Voles Fall in Love? [Last Updated On: September 29th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 29th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science: What problems do you have in your life? [Last Updated On: September 30th, 2011] [Originally Added On: September 30th, 2011]
- Behavioral Solutions for Climate [Last Updated On: October 3rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 3rd, 2011]
- College of Social and Behavioral Sciences (SBS) 2010 Senior Celebration [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Enhance Student Teaching Podcast - Full Sail University Behavioral Science Class [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Music and the Brain: Depression and Creativity Symposium [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Experiment Test [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Helen Palmer and The Enneagram [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Rapid Learning: Behavioral Science And Patient Treatment - Behavioral Physiolgy [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Meet Nicole in the Colorado State University Behavioral Sciences Building [Last Updated On: October 4th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 4th, 2011]
- Life As A Full Sail Student Ep. 5 (Behavioral Science) [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Happy holidays from your friends in the College of Business and Behavioral Science [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science Jumping Hurdles Full Sail University [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Dr. Meera Narasimhan on Mental Illnesses - Part 1 [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Science needs you: Test your word power on iPhone / iPad with Science XL free app [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- Definition of Culture [Last Updated On: October 5th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 5th, 2011]
- OSP Presentation: Bou's Clues (University of Santo Tomas, Behavioral Science) [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Behavioral Sciences OSPE Part 7: Informational Care [Last Updated On: October 6th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 6th, 2011]
- Criminal Minds Season 2: Behavioral Science [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science - York College CUNY [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Miswakology Behavioral Sciences [Last Updated On: October 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 7th, 2011]
- Criminal Minds Season 2 - Backstage - Behavioral Science Real-life Criminal Minds (2 of 2) [Last Updated On: October 11th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 11th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science (A Lesson In Self Control) [Last Updated On: October 12th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 12th, 2011]
- BEHAVIORAL SCIENCE LECTURE 1 - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- TEDxGoodenoughCollege - Jan-Emmanuel De Neve - The Genetics of Happiness - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- Using Denial to Cope with Grief and Depression - Winifred Gallagher - Video [Last Updated On: October 13th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 13th, 2011]
- How To Survive Full Sail University - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Life Positive Expo 2008 Appreciate Inquiry with Dr. Wasundhara Joshi and R Sankarasubramanyan - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Dr. Meera Narasimhan on Mental Illnesses - Part 3 - Video [Last Updated On: October 14th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 14th, 2011]
- Learning and Memory - Video [Last Updated On: October 16th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 16th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science Proposal - Video [Last Updated On: October 17th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 17th, 2011]
- 13H Refutes CCHR: IOD (Chapter 7) Psychosurgery (1/2) - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- 13H Refutes CCHR: IOD (Chapter 8) Psychiatric Drugs (1/2) - Video [Last Updated On: October 23rd, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 23rd, 2011]
- OUTDATED : Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- CSUDH College of Natural and Behavioral Sciences [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Behavioral science project. ( just one part of it) - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Ramp Modeling for Dickies (UST- Behavioral Science Presentation) - Video [Last Updated On: October 24th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 24th, 2011]
- Search in Psychology and Behavioral Sciences - PSCY 2301 - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Forgiveness: Jesus vs Behavioral Science - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- PsyD Graduate Discusses her Learning Experience at CalSouthern School of Behavioral Sciences - Video [Last Updated On: October 25th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 25th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science Statistics: One Sample and Dependent t-te - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Full Sail University Behavioral Science Self-Awareness Exercise - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- FBI Behavioral Science Unit Interview - Part 2 - Video [Last Updated On: October 26th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 26th, 2011]
- Full Sail BS Lab 2 Proposal - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Full Sail University-Behavioral Science- Jumping Hurdles Project - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Being Human - Behavioral Science Project - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Behavioral Sciences OSPE Part 3: Compliance - Video [Last Updated On: October 27th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 27th, 2011]
- Behavioral Science Film Fest feat. BSA1D '09 - Video [Last Updated On: October 28th, 2011] [Originally Added On: October 28th, 2011]
- Dan Pink Plenary Speaker Landsdowne Residency, March 2010 - Video [Last Updated On: November 7th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 7th, 2011]
- Psychology and Behavioral Sciences Collection - Video [Last Updated On: November 8th, 2011] [Originally Added On: November 8th, 2011]