Discover the benefits of simulation-based training
 
Management Training: An Evolution
 
A conversation with Jennifer Urick,
VP Product Development, Learning Tree International

 
WHAT’S YOUR PERSPECTIVE ON THE CURRENT STATE OF MANAGEMENT TRAINING?
Much of the management training that exists today is topic-based, focusing on acquisition of new knowledge. In addition, most management training happens in a relatively low-stimulus environment that is not representative of today’s media-rich workplace. I believe an approach is required that emphasizes the application of new skills in a realistic environment, in addition to the development of knowledge.

SO WHAT’S THE ALTERNATIVE?
The best approach is simulation-based and task-oriented—a structured set of learning activities that incorporates what the student already knows in an environment that reflects today’s workplace. From an instructional design standpoint, the term is “authentic activities.” Learners are engaged in authentic tasks within a simulated “real-world” context so they can develop critical management skills more effectively.

BUT ARE THESE RESULTS TANGIBLE?
Yes, because the learner walks away with a clearly defined and developed skill set. For example, in the course, as in their real job, there’s an expected deliverable. In the case of “authentic activities,” the learner knows what the deliverable is supposed to be, but doesn’t know what it will ultimately look like. That means the learners have to build on their own experiences, plus their new knowledge and skills. Ultimately, everything they’ve learned is objective and can be retained, taken to the workplace and applied on the job.

WHERE DO THE INSTRUCTOR AND CLASSROOM FIT INTO ALL THIS?
The instructor-facilitated classroom approach is critical—the classroom provides a structured container for the simulated environment, and the instructor is a knowledgeable, supportive guide for the learning process. Instructors engage with the class and demonstrate key techniques or whatever is required. Most importantly, instructors are not there to dictate what happens, leaving the primary decision making in the hands of the learners.

ARE THESE TECHNIQUES NEW?
Learning institutions have been exploring these concepts and writing about them for decades, particularly the notion of task-oriented instruction. The idea is that if you give people a complex and interesting task, they’re going to be motivated to accomplish that task. Couch it in a rich instructional experience, and you have high interest as well. Then add an instructor who knows his or her subject backwards and forwards, and you’ve got a group of people who can achieve outcomes beyond what they or anyone else could expect.

THE IDEAS ARE SOUND, BUT HOW DOES THE ORGANIZATION BENEFIT?
The benefit to the organization lies in the fact that the result is performance based. Knowing about things is important, but doing things successfully is what really generates value within an organization. So building employees’ skills so they can perform better is a winning scenario for everyone involved.

To find out more about RealityPlus - a new Learning Tree approach to management training, click here.