Skills and Knowledge Reinforcement
How do make sure that what employees were trained on is retained and reinforced? Different ways can be used to influence knowledge reinforcement. They ensure that investment in the training was not a waste of money and time. It also facilitates implementation of the skills acquired in the workplace.
Follow these steps for proper knowledge reinforcement:
- Identify skills to be learned
Training becomes effective once a skill is identified on which employees are to be trained on.
- Access the necessary training resources
Secondly, employees should have the necessary tools for effective training. People learn in different ways hence you should include tools such as online courses, gamification, video guides and skill checks.
- Complete self-study
These are learning tools that enable the learners to access their understanding of the main content. Helps them make the necessary changes before proceeding to the next training material.
- Complete knowledge evaluation
- Participate in an on-job demonstration
- Practice through coaching
Coaching is required to enable the employee to practice the skills acquired in the training and facilitate knowledge reinforcement.
- Completion of on-job evaluation
Once the employee is confidence of his or her skills a competent supervisor can assess the employee understanding of the job through comparison of the set standards
Ways to boost knowledge reinforcement
Spaced repetition
If training is carried out as a one-off event without necessary follow up, employee risk falling into the forgetting curve. To facilitate proper knowledge reinforcement, repetition should be carried out in short repetition intervals.
The technique is most effective when personalized. An employee is able to address his weak points and improve on them. Repetition can also be carried out through inclusion in various media forms such as video, graphics, and games.
Microlearning
It involves the incorporation of bite-sized information, ideally 3-5 minutes. This ensures quick assimilation of the data. By adapting the microlearning model for knowledge reinforcement you experience the following benefits:
- You will save a lot of time since the creation of microlearning is fast and easy.
- Flexibility is also another advantage of using microlearning method. Employees can access the training material at any time of need.
- Your company benefits from the agility microlearning presents. You can pull down content that is no longer effective without incurring any setbacks.
Use of technology
For effective knowledge reinforcement, you can use technology for the employees to access the training material. Some of the tools you can use are:
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Apps: many employees will use mobile apps such as YouTube to search for information that they need
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Checks: involve the use of gamified group discussions which can be used to gauge how much information was retained and also to reinforce knowledge on key points.
Gamification
Gamification is also a widely used tool to enhance knowledge reinforcement. Game elements increase motivation and an engagement during the training process. Therefore, employees are constantly engaging with the training material facilitating reinforcement.
Verdict
Knowledge reinforcement can be carried out in different ways. You should identify which method is fit for your employees. Knowledge reinforcement means a well-trained workforce.