Using NVQs to promote Learning LO10356

Cindy.Uhlir@astd.noli.com
7 Oct 1996 12:33:26 EDT

Replying to LO10340 --

Phillip Caper Wrote:

LE>It is significant that in flight crew training there is a gathering shift
LE>( led by some pioneer airlines - notably United, British Airways and Aer
LE>Lingus) towards rethinking the nature of competence based training. In
LE>this needs based approach the starting point is to define the mission -
LE>eg. "to complete a safe and comfortable flight at the maximum compatible
LE>level of economic operation.", and then to work backwards through the
LE>domains and tasks necessary to carry out that mission in order to define
LE>the training (SORRY! LEARNING!!) needs.

LE>Unfortunately the experience in English NVQ's, Scottish SVQ's, and New
LE>Zealand's NQF, is that many industries go in precisely the opposite
LE>direction, with appalling results for performance.

LE>Even more distrurbing than mere effiecient performance, is the
LE>implications of this in high safety risk environments. I have just read a
LE>paper recently written by the training manager of a large electricity
LE>generating enterprise, which demonstrates quite terrifying ignorance of
LE>the relationships between performance, competence, learning and human
LE>error. No wonder there are still so many industrial accidents!

I am an American consutant wotking with a British Company and using the
NVQ's as a basis for the performance system design. Yes I said
Performance! and I have a real good understanding for that.

I agree if it is just used to teach SOP you probably are outdated before
you start but the piece I have added through out all the classroom and OJT
parts are the whys and the overall system design. In other I am designing
in classes that allow people to problem solve and change the SOP if
necessary. I am designing in the whole process concept that helps them to
understand thier changes and the effects on the other processes.

I use the NVQ as a basis because I think it allows you to make certain
that all the vital elements are covered, but the system is designed based
on Learning organization design not just pure competence. So I believe
you can marry the two systems and come out with a much better system.

Cindy Uhlir
Chrysalis Resources, Ltd.
Helping Businesses Emerge

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Cindy.Uhlir@astd.noli.com

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