Discussion: Adult Learning Theory and New Hire Training
Have a look at the article on Adult Learning Theory and New Hire Training. The main message is that when new hire training is designed along the lines of Malcolm Knowles' theory of adult learning, it is much more effective.
In summary, Knowles theory says adults learn best when
* they are allowed to be self-directed and make choices about how they learn
* the training builds on their past experience
* it is relevant (they are not interested if it is not)
* the training is about real life problems they will encounter on the job, not theory
* they are told why they have to learn something before they are sent to training
Which of these was most important to the improvement in the new hire training? Which is most important to the way you learn?