The Art and Science of Learning

While I was reading articles on CLO.com, I was struck by the likeness of each of the articles, and the similarities to my own “mantra” with clients around learning and development needs. The truth is, we (those of us who lead HR and L&D groups) know the theories around learning, why change is difficult, and the challenge of integrating new learning into the core of the organization. What we may not know, is the how – what will work best for our organization and our staff?

So what sets each of us a part? What are the differences in why some solutions work for company A but not company B? I think the first part of the answer is the art and science of it. That is, like other areas of study, organizational learning is a combination of art and science. The science is the theory and foundation that is the cement and mortar of how we learn, and how and why we change. It also includes, and maybe more importantly, the systems and processes that surround and support it. The art piece is the human side – both of the learners and those who set the course of how to learn or implement change - and that of course – is the challenge.

Since we are confronted with so many variables in different environments and situations, the same science or theories won’t work the same each time. That’s one reason why we need business and learning needs assessments – to understand the specific needs of the environment we are in, and to take a pulse of the human side. To understand the individual needs and goals of our audience, and the collective temperature around change, learning, knowledge, and organizational success.

So, in as much as we (consultants and learning professionals) are all the same, and spew similar rhetoric, there are differences between us in much the same way of the learners – our human side. Our personality, our approach, our style, who we are and how we interact. And this, is the bottom line to success – finding the right mix of the art and science. Identifying the best approach for your organization, your collective individuals. We need to work with others who understand “where you’re coming from” and with people we like, know and trust. Someone who has the same temperature you do, where together there is an “aha” in how to reach the ideal.

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Regards,
Ruth

http://www.knowledgeadvantage.biz