PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT INSIGHT
It’s all about learning
Dr Sue Smith, CIPP associate director of professional education, describes the benefits of preparing yourself for the learning process and work-based learning
F or many adults the prospect of embarking on new learning can be a daunting one. Memories of past experiences from our early years of education can trigger the blood to run cold and many to break out into an even colder sweat. Many protest that the last time they had to write an assignment or sit an exam was years ago when they were at school; an experience that left them somewhat traumatised and stripped of any confidence that they could learn. In today’s rapidly changing, highly demanding work environment, employers expect employees to be continually up- skilling, developing and to be able to react quickly and appropriately to demand. The diverse workforce of today has a different profile from a decade ago and learning approaches must keep up with the pace and change accordingly. Being able to integrate effective learning into busy working lives is paramount if employers want skilled and knowledgeable resources to proactively support their organisations
and businesses. According to some, learning must at least keep up if not supersede the pace of change. Work-based learning is about integrating learning strategies into the work place, reflecting on workplace practices, and applying the learning to elicit an impact and change. For some, learning can become an individually isolating experience, but it does not have to be that way. To avoid feeling like they are alone students are encouraged to draw support from fellow students, who may exist outside their immediate workplace. This ‘community of practice’ will support and help individuals process and learn collectively with others. Learning should become shared as part of an organisational ethic and part of the workplace’s way of working. Significant research exists to support the usefulness for communities of practice which creates inclusion and a feeling of belonging. The brain is a growing and evolving muscle which is a very effective learning
system. Our amazing bio-computer is adept at problem solving; an essential 21st century survival skill in the ever- changing and often problematic workplace. For real transformational learning to take place the brain must be challenged at just the right level; balancing sufficient relaxation, control and attention to the task without succumbing to the pressure of anxiety, apathy or boredom. When the balance is right, and the brain is sufficiently challenged, lasting change in behaviour, skill and knowledge can occur – crucial skills in the current environment. Increasing adaptive capacity and workplace performance can result from engagement opportunities, which the employer can influence by taking an active interest in learner progress. Support from communities of practice and tutor support are vital in the model for work-based learning; challenging students to reflect and rationalise the ways of working and consequent changes. There should be a strong link between the learning outcomes and the workplace. The employer should be instrumental in linking the learning to taking on challenges, attaining goals and upskilling employees. Engaging students in a supportive culture will encourage
...employees to be continually up- skilling, developing and to be able to react quickly and appropriately...
| Professional in Payroll, Pensions and Reward | February 2018 | Issue 37 16
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