The document proposes a new approach to workplace learning that focuses on informal learning through social interactions and collaboration rather than formal classroom-based training. It notes that people forget most of what they learn in formal training quickly, and that 70-90% of learning happens informally. The emergence of social media allows individuals to learn on their own time by accessing resources and connecting with colleagues. The document advocates for a 10 step plan centered around informal, social, and collaborative learning in the workplace in order to work smarter and improve performance outcomes.

1. It’s time for
A NEW APPROACH TO
WORKPLACE LEARNING

2. For years this has been the model for learning

3. Today’s training is
mostly …
classroom‐based,
e‐learning or
blended
EVENTS

4. BUT
Filling heads with People forget most
knowledge is of what they have
inefficient and been taught very
ineffective quickly

5. It takes time and
effort to create
(e‐)courses
Many are
content‐rich and
interaction poor
Others are costly
solutions to
problems that could Expensive systems track user
have been solved in activity ‐ but not application
cheaper ways of the learning in the job.

6. Meanwhile outside the
classroom people are
learning in other ways …
… often without realising it
… and continuously

7. Most “learning” takes place in conversations,
and interactions with other people …
in the flow of work
This is
informal learning

8. In fact 70‐90% of
a person’s
learning
happens socially
and informally
and yet L&D
focus their
attention on the
10‐30% ‐ formal
(content‐based)
training.

9. The emergence of social media has also turned the
concept of “learning” upside down
The easy availability of tools has meant ..

10. Individuals are using them
for their own personal
learning:
‐ To search for and access
all kinds of resources
whenever they need them
‐ To create their own
resources and share them
with others

11. ‐ To make connections with
colleagues inside and
outside the organization
‐ With whom they can
communicate and share
ideas, resources and
experiences

12. Groups are using them to “self‐organize”:
‐ To collaborate and co‐create content and generally
work and learn together

13. Even within training, social media tools are being used
by students (as well as teachers) to provide a more
participative, social and collaborative approach to
learning.

14. But
LEARNING is not the
end goal; but a means
to an end
It’s about
PERFORMANCE;
people doing their jobs
(better)
In fact, it’s all about
WORKING SMARTER

15. "Working smarter is the key to
sustainability and continuous
improvement. The accelerating rate of
change forces everyone in every
organization to make a choice: learn
while you work or become obsolete.
Jay Cross, Working Smarter Fieldbook, 2010

16. Social Learning =
Working smarter
with social media
Social learning is
not something
you read or talk
about; it’s Lead by example
something you DO Practice what you preach

17. 10 step plan for working smarter
1 – Re‐think definition of “learning” to include informal
2 ‐ Focus efforts on informal, social, collaborative learning
3 ‐ Let individuals drive their own learning; L&D can guide
4 – Develop autonomous, self‐directed individuals & groups
5 – Encourage effective and productive use of social media
6 – Provide performance consulting services
7 – Help teams build their own “solutions”
8 – Embed “solutions” in the workflow
9 – Ensure technology enables not controls learning
10 – Measure success in terms of performance outcomes

18. Want to find out more?
http://C4LPT.co.uk/handbook/