Observational Learning: A Key Component of Employee Training
Webmaster December 31st, 2005
Observational learning occurs when someone acquires new knowledge vicariously by observing what happens to others. This is the most common, and the most effective form of learning on the job.
Four processes must occur for observational learning to be most effective.
- Attention: the learner must pay close attention to the model
- Retention: the learner must be able to develop a good mental image
- Behavioral reproduction: the learner must be able to do exactly what has just been observed. In other words, to be able to replicate the exact steps.
- Motivation: the learner must want to learn something new.
Learning how to bag groceries or stock shelves in a super market is most commonly taught using observational learning. Many new hires, regardless of whether they have experience or not, are paired up with the most senior or most experienced employee. This senior employee then shows the new employee the ropes. If the new employee is highly experienced in stocking shelves, then the senior employee shows how they do things around here.
The new employee typically watches the senior employee work. After some sufficient amount of time, the new employee is then given the opportunity to practice what they have just observed. The senior employee then watches the new employee to see if he or she is doing the job correctly. During the time that the new employee is practicing, the senior employee does not say a word. All this person does is observe. At the end of the practice session, the senior employee will work with the new employee explaining what they did wrong by focusing on what they did correctly.
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