Original Post by Alex Johnsen:

Generating a universal training program for new work practices such that all employees will grasp and retain the information is no small task. Everyone learns differently and at different speeds. So, rather than making one training program on one platform and expecting everyone to conform, it would be best to try and make it as accommodating as possible. What I mean by that is perhaps offer the training via a written program so that employees can read the necessary steps of the new work practices, provide a video demonstrating the changes and why they are important so that employees can watch at their convenience and rewatch it as necessary, and even provide an in-person, hands-on presentation of the new work practices for employees that need that personal touch in order to retain the information. Sure, it might seem like a lot of work, but by combining the best attributes of multiple approaches, you create one, cohesive approach (Pelligrino n.d., 19:31).

Pelligrino, Richardi. Year n.d. “Cross cultural communication.” TEDxBergen. YouTube. Oct. 21, 2014. Video, 19:57. https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YMyofREc5Jk.

My Comment:

Hi Alex,

Great point that learning differently encompasses pace. It brings up the need to make a training program self-paced so that some employees who take longer to comprehend do not end up getting overwhelmed and glossing over the information without truly absorbing it. Offering the training content in writing is a great way to ensure that all the workers can take their time. Many people are accustomed to reading sentences over and over again which cannot be done if the information is only verbally presented. Have you experienced a training program that was delivered via writing or video? Do you agree with the need to quiz the employees after the training is over?

Reply by Alex Johnsen:

Hi Mary,

Thanks for your insight! I have received many training videos that were delivered entirely over video or were delivered in memo form. I think encouraging interaction with whatever method is used will help keep people engaged and help them retain more information. I don’t necessarily think quizzes are all that helpful, but I do think having some way of proving that the information in the training was retained is important. This can be done by providing a written summary, having the trainee provide a brief summary, or having the trainee practice the new procedures would be beneficial.