Study of the Role of Learning Theories as Applied to Training and Development

10 Pages Posted: 30 Apr 2012

Date Written: April 29, 2012

Abstract

This paper traces the idea from the postulated theories of learning concerning human behavior in the context of training. The study suggests that for effective training learning is a precondition. Many of the theories of learning, though derived from investigations carried out in laboratory conditions, are substantially different from the practical conditions under which human learning takes place but have great implications in training and development. Each of the theories has much to contribute to enrich our understanding of the learning situations though none of them is most appropriate under all the circumstances. The situation is analogous to building a house, where sometimes a hammer is a most effective tool, sometimes a screwdriver, and at other times a saw. The training director is like a house builder who selects different tools as different problems emerge (Hergenhahn, 1976). By and large, the theories and principles are the means to achieve an end (e.g., transfer of learning) and not an end in themselves.

Keywords: learning, transfer of learning, learning theories, training, development

Suggested Citation

Oghbaei, Mohammad, Study of the Role of Learning Theories as Applied to Training and Development (April 29, 2012). Available at SSRN: https://ssrn.com/abstract=2047843 or http://dx.doi.org/10.2139/ssrn.2047843

Mohammad Oghbaei (Contact Author)

affiliation not provided to SSRN ( email )

Do you have negative results from your research you’d like to share?

Paper statistics

Downloads
1,470
Abstract Views
6,001
Rank
24,084
PlumX Metrics