How do we make learning stick? A new Research in Practice resource supports learners and providers to effectively embed their learning into practice.
Learning organisations want to support their staff to develop practice, apply evidence in their work and enable people to live good lives. Learning transfer is about the journey from new knowledge to its confident application in practice over time.
The new resource explores the elements needed to influence people's ability to take learning back to their work environment. The learner needs opportunities to try out new methods and apply the knowledge they gained. Providing these opportunities is the responsibility of their organisation. A learning-oriented and curious workplace helps professional development to be truly continuous. It gives a strong signal to staff about the value and purpose of learning in the organisation.
By developing our understanding of what makes learning ‘stick’, we can improve the ways in which we commission, provide and engage with learning to maximise its impact. Ultimately improving people’s experience of care and support.
Learning transfer - Putting learning into practice
Explore a resource that focuses on the elements of learning and development that can contribute to change in practice.
What is learning transfer?
Training alone is not enough; it is only one piece of the puzzle ... There are other factors that must also be in place, including practice leadership and a capable environment.
Gaining and using new knowledge is not just about effective design or delivery. Following learning, a learner needs to interpret their new knowledge and reflect on how it fits with their existing practice. All learning benefits from reflection and organisational support, maximising the likelihood of improving practice.
The graphic below illustrates the interconnecting factors of learning transfer – individual characteristics, learning design and delivery, and workplace factors.
The resource contains key areas that guides readers through the theory and research behind learning, and how this knowledge can be practically applied to support workforce development. It can be used by:
- Commissioners – Making improvements to the commissioning, design, or delivery of learning and development.
- Senior leaders – Exploring how learning and development contributes to improvements in practice throughout the organisation.
- Practice educators and supervisors – Guidance to help integrate into on-the-ground practice.
- Individual learners - To support the effectiveness of continuing professional development.
In a new blog, Tricia Pereira explores the importance of embedding learning and development in everyday practice.
Making learning part of everyday practice
This blog explores the importance of embedding learning and development in everyday practice.
Making learning stick
A series of upcoming events aim to develop understanding of learning theory and consider how the conditions, design and delivery of learning events impact how it is translated into practice.
Based on the new learning transfer resource, the events are designed to support individuals and teams who oversee learning development within Partner organisations. The sessions will cover:
- What motivates people to learn?
- How can you design impactful learning?
- How can organisations support learning transfer?
The final session, Making learning stick, is an opportunity for learning and development practitioners to come together, reflect on messages from the previous webinars and share practical learning transfer strategies. The events are part of our ‘Learn and deliver’ programme.
Continuing professional learning and development
The window for all registered social workers in England to apply to renew their registration and submit their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record is open.
In order to remain on the register you must submit at least two pieces of CPD to your Social Work England account ahead of the deadline on 30 November.
The new learning transfer resource contains helpful tips and information about recording your reflections from learning. Anyone with a Research in Practice account can keep a record of their CPD. You can reflect and record your thoughts using the CPD button on each page, as well as bookmarking and sharing resources with colleagues.
Social work CPD renewal window open
The window for all registered social workers in England to apply to renew their registration and submit their Continuing Professional Development (CPD) record is open.
