Human resource management practice I also available by michael armstrong

Part 

5

  Learning and Development

318

Approach to learning and development

 

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The starting point for learning and development is 

the systematic identification of learning needs. 

This provides the basis for making a choice 

between the various approaches available and 

for decisions on the practices that should be 

adopted for the chosen approach.

 

●

The approaches from which a choice can be 

made are workplace learning, self-directed 

learning, e-learning and formal training and 

development activities involving the delivery of 

learning events and programmes.

 

●

A blended learning approach should be adopted 

wherever possible.

 

●

In each case, it is necessary to evaluate the 

effectiveness of the learning and development 

process so that improvements can be made if 

required.

Identifying learning needs

All learning activities need to be based on an 

understanding of what needs to be done and why. 

The purpose of the activities must be defined and  

this is only possible if the learning needs of the 

organization and the groups and individuals within it 

have been identified and analysed.

Workplace learning

Workplace learning is experiential learning. It is 

learning by doing and by reflecting on experience so 

that it can be understood and applied. Workplace 

learning is largely an informal process, although line 

managers have an important part to play in 

facilitating it.

Self-directed learning

Self-directed or self-managed learning involves 

encouraging individuals to take responsibility for 

Key learning points: The practice of learning and development

their own learning needs, either to improve 

performance in their present job or to develop their 

potential and satisfy their career aspirations.

Coaching

Coaching is a personal (usually one-to-one) 

approach to helping people develop their skills and 

knowledge and improve their performance.

Mentoring

Mentoring is the process of using specially selected 

and trained individuals to provide guidance, pragmatic 

advice and continuing support that will help the person 

or persons allocated to them to learn and develop.

E-learning

E-learning provides for learning via computer, 

networked and web-based technology. The process 

comprises defining the system, encouraging access, 

advising and assisting individual learners and 

encouraging and facilitating the creation of learning 

communities.

Personal development planning

Personal development planning is carried out by 

individuals with guidance, encouragement and help 

from their managers as required. This should be the 

outcome of a performance and development review. 

A personal development plan sets out the actions 

people propose to take to learn and to develop 

themselves.

Planned experience

Planned experience is the process of deciding on a 

sequence of experience that will enable people to 

obtain the knowledge and skills required in their jobs 

and prepare them to take on increased 

responsibilities. This enables experiential learning to 

take place to meet a learning specification.

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