Learning in the Workplace
Module from SIOP
Learning in the Workplace
• (assuming you have held a job) How did you
learn how to perform your job?
• What types of training methods do you think
work best?
• What makes a good teacher / trainer?
Learning
in Industrial-Organizational Psychology
• Learning can be (but may not often be) examined
through the lenses of
– Classical & Operant Conditioning
– Behavior Modification
– Cognitive theories
• Typically, “learning” science and practice in I-O
Psychology tends to focus on
– Types of training
– The training process / training principles
– Trainer and trainee characteristics
Types of Training / Learning
• Traditional Education / Courses
– (Online or Distance-Based Courses)
• Work Experiences
• Mentoring
• Coaching
Training Process
• Typical Process
– Needs Analysis
– Design
– Evaluation
• (some) Training Design Principles & Activities:
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Spaced vs. massed practice
Feedback
Automaticity / Overlearning
Advance Organizers
Error-based learning
Behavior modeling
Work simulations / games
Trainer / Trainee Characteristics
• Trainee Characteristics
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Intelligence
Motivation
Self-efficacy
Locus of control (internal will be more motivated)
Demographics
• Trainer Characteristics
– Clarity
– Organization
– Enthusiasm / Engagement
For More Information…
Brown, K. G., & Sitzmann, T. (2010). Training and employee
development for improved performance. In S. Zedeck (Ed.), APA
Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp.
469-503). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Eby, L. T. (2010). Mentoring. In S. Zedeck (Ed.), APA Handbook of
Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp. 505-525).
Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.
Goldstein, I. L., & Ford, J. K. (2002). Training in organizations (4th Ed.).
Belmont, CA: Wadsworth.
Peterson, D. B. (2010). Executive coaching: A critical review and
recommendations for advancing the practice. In S. Zedeck (Ed.), APA
Handbook of Industrial and Organizational Psychology (Vol. 2, pp.
527-66). Washington, DC: American Psychological Association.