Category: LRNT 622

Which framework(s) will provide the backbone?

 

In the first Padlet exercise of LRNT 622 I listed a few overarching goals, one of which described that findings should be applicable to an adult learner group, making Adult Learning Theory seemingly a good fit. Ruey (2010) explores how using Knowles’ contract learning concept can help learners plan experiences based on their needs, prior experiences, goals, interests and self-concept. Doing so can increase learner self-awareness around their preferred learning style, which can help the learner assume more responsibility for their own learning. Since the model I hope to evaluate would include on-demand learning, this theoretical framework should help to provide a backbone of known information off of which my research will build.

The second framework that seems like it may be valuable to bound the research is Engagement Theory, which also focuses on experiential and self-directed learning (Kearsley & Shneiderman, 1993). Bonk and Khoo (2014) suggest that learner engagement is manifested through behaviour, and that “when it comes to achievement, involvement in the learning process matters” (p. 209).

A couple of questions popped up for me to consider:

  1. I wonder if the fact that the professional development I am exploring is mandatory and tied directly to the learners’ ability to sustain their professional designation will have an impact?
  2. I wonder how or if a learner’s ability and comfort level with using technology will factor in when evaluating strategies for online professional development?

References

Bonk, C. J., & Khoo, E. (2014). Adding some TEC-VARIETY: 100+ activities for motivating and retaining learners online (pp. 1-368). OpenWorldBooks.com and Amazon CreateSpace.

Kearsley, G., & Shneiderman, B. (1998). Engagement theory: A framework for technology-based teaching and learning. Educational technology, 38(5), 20-23.

Ruey, S. (2010). A case study of constructivist instructional strategies for adult online lea rning. British Journal of Educational Technology, 41(5), 706-720. doi:10.1111/j.1467-8535.2009.00965.xv

Building a bench

As I begin the final phase of this MALAT journey, I must now contemplate how my efforts may be valuable in the future to those who are working towards building out a team development framework.

The first question to answer is why this research important to me. As a leader who has worked in corporate and not-for-profit organizations, I have learned the importance of developing a bench of trained, confident and motivated individuals. However, I have also been challenged with capacity in finding and maintaining the time, money and people-power to accommodate a fulsome program.

As I visualize how my research can support me to be a better learner, facilitator and leader, I begin to wonder who else may find the outcomes of this research valuable. I hope that my research helps to provide a robust framework, so that other leaders can get down to what’s important – developing a strong culture of learning and development in their organization.

So that I can reach those who may find value in my research findings, I have begun to consider how I can disseminate the findings.

I am involved in a few professional networks, all of which revolve around professional excellence and continuous improvement. It could be effective to simply share the findings through a blog contribution, including an invitation for readers to reach out and collaborate.

Or, perhaps, it could be effective to also submit a proposal to present at a local, provincial or national conference. Most of the professional networks to which I belong accept such proposals, as long as they are in line with the scope or overarching conference topic. Having been successful in submitting similar proposals in the past a few times, I am confident that I will be able to find a good fit.

I would need to be mindful of gaining approval from our CEO and Board of Directors for either of these suggestions for dissemination. However, I work with a progressive organization who believe in the importance of working collaboratively, so I anticipate that my suggestion(s) will be valued and approved.

Lastly, as an effort to continually move towards being a content contributor, as opposed to simply a content consumer, I could disseminate my findings through an article on LinkedIn, or through my blog. Although it seems too daunting to even consider, I also am keen to consider working towards being published in an academic journal. Exploring this idea a bit further has made me realize that this goal can be achieved if I simply research and ask questions from publications that could be a good fit with my findings. After all, if I truly want to become a content contributor, I will need to jump outside of my comfort zone to further explore where my potential audience may be so that I can reach them.