Supervisors’ and Employees’ Perceptions of Transfer of Learning in a Child Welfare Pre-Service Training Course

UNCG Author/Contributor (non-UNCG co-authors, if there are any, appear on document)
Elizabeth W. Lindsey, Professor Emeritus (Creator)
Institution
The University of North Carolina at Greensboro (UNCG )
Web Site: http://library.uncg.edu/

Abstract: A Transfer of Learning (TOL) program was developed to complement a Pre-Service Training program (PST) for new child welfare staff. To evaluate the impact of this TOL program, a cross sectional survey of employees and supervisors was conducted, using a stratified random sample. The overall response rate was 81% (85% for employees and 75% for supervisors), and the survey items showed good reliability. This article presents results from a comparative analysis of data from employees and their supervisors. Both groups believed that TOL activities were relevant to employees’ jobs and prepared new employees for their jobs. Employees were able to link classroom learning to their job duties and apply that knowledge and skill as they began work in their new positions. While there were a few differences in perceptions between supervisors and employees, overall, both groups agreed on the value of the TOL process. Recommendations for modification to the TOL component focus primarily on the amount of time the program takes and how to enhance supervisory support for employees with respect to TOL activities. Other child welfare training programs considering use of a structured transfer of learning process as a complement to classroom instruction may find it useful to take these results into consideration as well.

Additional Information

Publication
Training and Development in Human Services, 4(1), 100-116
Language: English
Date: 2007
Keywords
transfer of learning, child welfare, pre-service training

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