Timing is Everything Series: Intro, Anxiety, Information Overload, Knowledge Formation, (Part 4 Optimum Performance coming May 31st)
Knowledge Formation
The curve of knowledge formation marks the period of time in a training program when learners are rapidly beginning to crystallize knowledge gleaned from on-the-job training and experiential learning.
This is when training is really starting to “click” with learners: suddenly peer-to-peer learning becomes much more powerful, since the learners are becoming so familiar with the training material that they are able to teach it to others! This is a period of learning in which establishing communities of practice is especially beneficial.
The Student Becomes the Teacher
One of the best ways to capitalize on the knowledge formation section of the learning curve is to hold training events in which the learners need to formally train each other on certain areas of expertise. For example, if your training program is on leadership skills, each participant will have to present for five minutes on a particular leadership skill that he or she excels in and share best practices with the learning group.
Having learners be able to coach their peers on particular aspects of the overall training curriculum helps them to reinforce what they have learned and convert to long-term memory. 2 These peer-to-peer learning events can take place in a classroom or virtually, but should be facilitated by an experienced trainer.
We will be sharing information on decreasing the learning curve on our blog through the Timing is Everything series, but to read more now download the Timing is Everything White Paper!
Download the Timing is Everything White Paper
Sources:
- Jacobs, R. (2003). “Structured on-the-job training: Unleashing employee expertise in the workplace.” Berrett-Koehler Publishers: San Francisco.
- Gagne, R. (1965). “The Conditions of Learning.” Holt, Rinehart and Winston: New York.
