Application of Skills and Knowledge in the Workforce: Why it Matters?

Today a considerable amount of time, effort, and money is spent in workforce development or in-service training. Trainings in instructional experiences are designed to develop new skills and expertise for use on the job. Learning transfer is described as the degree to which the skills and knowledge learned are applied effectively in the workplace. For the transition to take place, the learned behavior must be adapted to the context of the job and sustained for a certain period. Complete transition also ensures that with onthe-job practice, the skill level improves above the level demonstrated after the training program.

To facilitate transfer of learning, the creation of transition partnerships between teachers and school heads makes an significant contribution to the transfer process, and full transfer demands that all teachers collaborate to optimize the application of new skills and expertise on the job. Each partner can use several strategies to enhance the transition before, during, and after the training.

To be able to effectively transfer learning specifically in the Department of Education, there should be a several transfer strategies combining the time dimension (before-during-after training) with the role dimension (school headteachers). For example, some of the transferal management techniques before training are: Collecting baseline performance data, involving school heads and teachers in needs analysis procedures (performed by school heads), structured design guidance, involving master teachers and teachers (performed by teachers), actively evaluating preparation options and engaging in advance practices (performed by teachers).

Various methods should be in place to promote the transition of training. In the setting of education, the following five subjects should be considered: (1) instructional time, (2) efficient teaching, (3) management and coordination of the classroom, (4) independent learning, and (5) the school environment and leadership. Through these, school managers and teachers will be able to apply these expertise and skills more easily to real-life circumstances and adapt themselves.