Involving supervisors and learners leads to successful adult learning experiences.

Consider ideas for encouraging supervisors to help new employees connect to learning needs before, during, and after the learning event.

What ideas could be used to help new employees connect to their learning needs before the orientation program begins? How does this connect to adult learning principles?

Supervisors could have a one-on-one discussion with each new employee before he or she begins the program.
The supervisor could talk about the employee's current knowledge on some of the topics and explain what specifically is expected on the job as a result of learning in the orientation program.
This conversation will make the orientation event both relevant and timely for the learner. Activating the learner's current knowledge allows them to use prior experience during the event.

What ideas could be used to help new employees connect to their learning needs during the orientation program? How does this connect to adult learning principles?

The orientation program could offer time for new employees to reflect on the learning priorities discussed with their supervisors.
It could allow reflection time to help the employees identify connections between the orientation and the needs of the business, the job, and the employees themselves.
Allowing time for reflection gives learners a sense of control over their learning as they make the connections that are most personally relevant.

What ideas could be used to help new employees connect to their learning needs after the orientation program? How does this connect to adult learning principles?

The supervisors or senior staff within the employees' teams could check in with them about 30 days after the orientation to see how they are implementing what they learned during the orientation.
A company discussion forum or other social tool for sharing ideas and experiences could be implemented and made available.
A 30-day check-in reinforces the timely nature of the event, which a social tool allows learners to connect with other learners over real-time problems.

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JOB AID: Learning needs sample questions

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