In today's rapidly evolving world, the traditional methods of learning and development often fall short of meeting the diverse needs of individuals and organizations. Tailored development projects have emerged as a powerful solution, enabling learners to unlock their full potential through personalized experiences. This blog post explores the significance of customized learning initiatives, their benefits, and practical examples of how they can be implemented effectively. Und

In today's competitive landscape, organizations are constantly seeking ways to improve performance and drive results. One of the most effective strategies for achieving this is through expert coaching. This approach not only enhances individual capabilities but also fosters a culture of continuous improvement within teams. In this blog post, we will explore how expert coaching can significantly impact performance improvement, the methodologies involved, and practical examples

Training programs are essential for enhancing skills and knowledge in any organization. However, many training sessions fail to achieve their intended outcomes. This often results from a lack of effective instructional design. By applying the principles of instructional design, organizations can create training programs that not only engage learners but also maximize retention and application of knowledge. In this post, we will explore the key components of instructional desi

In April 2024, I purchased my first pop-up camper. I’ve tent camped most of my adult life, and my 50+ year old back was yearning for something more… comfortable. I knew the general floor plan I was looking for: a dinette slide, a cassette toilet to eliminate those 3:00 am trips to the bathhouse, a […]

I have minimal real-world experience with project management. I’ve done event planning for two small weddings, Girl Scout events, and workshops for my current role, and I took some self-guided courses in Six Sigma about 10 years ago. Other than that, the course that I’m currently in is the only exposure I’ve had. As you […]

This week, I would like to discuss communication modality. The following message has been delivered in three ways: email, voicemail, and in person. Each method has pros and cons, and each may leave the recipient feeling one way or another about the message and the messenger. No one way is necessarily better, but consider how […]

When I started with my current department at PHEAA, the contact center had a dedicated trainer. This individual left the agency in late 2022, and as the only other person in the department with training experience, the following new hire class fell to me. I was directed to use the materials the former trainer had […]

If I were to make the case for an organization-wide employee development initiative, I would include the presentation attached here in any pitch or proposal: Currently, I am fortunate to work for an organization that recognizes the value of training and employee development. Curated courses are free to employees and accessible from outside our organizational […]

Five different technologies or technological integrations resonate with me as having the potential for the long-term improvement and enhancement of training and development opportunities. These methods will likely be able to survive shifting political tides, economic conditions, and regulatory frameworks. Raymond Noe defines them as follows: Blended learning Since the changes brought about by the […]

When the men in my family have an important event, they go to Men’s Warehouse. It has been a fixture in their efforts to be well-dressed when the occasion calls for it. So, with that familiarity in mind, I have reviewed what a training needs analysis would look like for that company and, by extension, […]

Have you ever had a day where everything at work ran perfectly? I’m guessing not – you’ve had days with disengaged employees who weren’t performing at their best and are costing your firm too much money. All of those are symptoms of a staff in need of training. Imagine operational training designed with your needs […]

The global response to the COVID-19 pandemic changed the landscape of learning forever. If necessity is the mother of invention, the pandemic mitigation efforts and stay-at-home orders could be described as the grandmother of remote learning. Whether apart in distance, time, or both, the interactions between teacher and student – regardless of age or academic […]

Many folks entered the training world from a non-educational background. They were SMEs or supervisors, and displayed an aptitude for sharing information and engaging students, but they may not have any formal preparatory training in “how to teach”. Maybe they did well, maybe they struggled, but in-class interactions were always there to smooth things out, […]

I found this three-part series while researching the pros and cons of online discussion boards. Very insightful and valuable suggestions here!

(Walden University EDUC 6135) What I Thought I Knew Before this course, I would define distance learning as any educational interaction that does not include “in-class” activities. This could be synchronous or asynchronous, web-based, or mail-order. In my opinion, all of those were distance learning since it was not in an actual building. When my […]

Throughout this course, I’ve been intrigued by how little we know about how humans of all ages learn and digest information. From antiquity, the quest for learning perfection led philosophers to theorize what it was that would unlock the minds of students. Socrates questioned and pushed the conversation. Even now, as advanced students, we are […]

In October 2023, I answered a classroom discussion prompt regarding how I learn. Since then, I’ve explored various learning theories, addressed the validity of learning styles, and explored how technology can help or hinder the educational process. That course is ending, and I am reflecting again on the answer to “How do I learn?” Now […]

I’m terrible at networking. I was an awkward only child, lacking in social skills and social opportunities, and I came to rely on myself for company at a very young age. I don’t “make friends” well, and I always feel like I’m imposing on others or inserting myself in their conversations when I try to […]

This week found me following breadcrumbs of Google Scholar, navigating the until-now unfamiliar world of scholarly research and journal articles presented in online formats. My search focused on locating resources aligned with how the brain processes information and finds solutions to problems. During previous schoolwork, my research would always begin with a trip to a […]

Having never created a blog or blog post in my Gen X life, I’m prepared for this to be learning by the occasional failure and hiccup. After reviewing the resources in class this week, I’ve realized that one of the ways I learn best is simply by diving in and getting to work, correcting missteps […]