Orientation
Previously we discussed the training and development process in class. The training and development process for companies must encompass an active orientation program, in my opinion, because it makes a new employee feel welcome, helps him or her to understand the organization and duties, and begins his or her socialization with other employees.
There are different ways of approaching orientation that accomodate the different learning styles, yet it seems to me that most of them favor the Converger and Accomodator. Its obvious that people that learn the best from active experimentation would be more likely to benefit from directly performing a few introductory tasks as they become familiar with the working environment.
I am not a Converger or an Accomodator, yet this summer I went through an orientation program that forced me to dive directly into the work I would be doing. From having that experience I would have to conclude that even though it did not suit my learning style, I learned exponentialy by going through it. I guess this shows that there is a reason why most accepted orientation programs lean towards the active experimentation style of learning.
Comments
Posted by: Jessica
Posted on: November 10, 2006 07:55 PM
Something to think about on this topic, although it seems that someone with a certain learning style only learns well in their own ways, different things to learn could also be taught better in specific ways. I am not a converger or accomodator, but when I learn how to do a new job I would always rather dive right into it to get the experience. While designing a training program, it is a good idea to accomodate to certain types of people, but it is also good to accomodate to what exactly is being taught.
Posted by: Ben Meck
Posted on: November 10, 2006 10:06 PM
Svetlana -
That is awesome that you still were able to adjust to a new style of learning for your summer orientation. Perhaps this says something about your MBTI results or your Learning Styles Inventory? Or perhaps this means that you are learning to develop learning styles outside of your comfort zone. I had a similar experience in a previous job. I was forced to understand the training manual before I could begin working. Although I was restless and bored throughout the training, I feel like I understood what I was doing and had a better grasp on the theory behind the job.