Learning Paths

OVERVIEW The concept of a learning path is describe the in book, "Learning Paths: Increase profits by reducing the time it takes to get employees up-to-speed" (Pfieffer and ASTD Press 2004) by Steve Rosenbaum and Jim Williams. In this book, a Learning Path is described as the entire sequence of learning activities that go from day one to a pre-determined level of proficiency. A learning activity is defined as any formal or informal training that includes: classroom training, elearning, job aids, practice, experience, coaching, on-the-job instruction or anything else that will lead to proficiency.

LEARNING PATHS VERSUS CURRICULUMS A curriculum is a series of courses designed to cover the basic skills and knowledge that have been identified. Typically a curriculum doesn't include the informal learning that typically happens after a curriculum is completed.

IMPROVING A LEARNING PATH As described by Steve Rosenbaum, the ultimate measure of a Learning Path is time to proficiency. In other words the length of time it takes to be come proficiency or fully up-to-speed. Improving a Learning Path means dramatically reducing time to proficiency. Through using process improvement tools and methods, the first step is to map out a current Learning Path and then look for opportunities to take to out time, waste and variability. This ultimately should also lead to a reduction in cost.

More informationa about Learning Paths is available at www.learningpathsinternational.com