Job-Embedded Learning

Background

Job-embedded learning, also known as on-the-job learning , is learning that occurs while teachers and administrators engage in their daily work. While simultaneously performing their job duties, participants learn by doing, reflecting on the their experiences, and then generating and sharing new insights and learning with one another. This type of learning, formal and informal, is becoming more popular because of its practicality.

Benefits

Recently gathered research shows that the traditional methods of professional development, such as attending workshops, are not very effective. Administrators have a limited amount of time to attend workshops. Furthermore, it is difficult for administrators to implement what they learn from these workshops into their everyday job.

On-the-job learning provides a solution to these problems. Because administrators are learning while they are in their jobs, integrating their new knowledge is not difficult.

Furthermore, job-embedded learning does not require participants to set aside a separate time to learn. Because learning occurs while on-the-job, time efficiency is maximized.

Finally, job-embedded learning is beneficial because it promotes immediate application of what is learned and costs less, in most cases, than paying a high-priced consultant to conduct training.

Examples

There are many types of on-the-job learning, some formal and others informal. Study groups, reflective logs, action research, peer coaching, and mentoring are just a few examples of job-embedded learning. In study groups, a small number of administrators come together to learn more about a particular topic. The group reviews and discusses the topic, reads literature on it, and may visits model programs.

In contrast to study groups, keeping a reflective log is a more individual practice. Reflective logs are used to encourage learning from the successes and problems a participant encounters during the workday. Administrators not only summarize what happened, but they summarize what they have learned. Typically, participants share these logs with other colleagues who offer further insight and advise.

A third example of job-embedded learning is action research. Administrators gather data and information about their performance and their work environment and then systematically analyze their findings individually or with other colleagues. This practice reveals certain trends and tendencies and allows participants to reflect on what changes need to be made. Administrators then implement these changes and continue to gather research to see if the new approach is effective.

Overall, on-the-job learning is a practical method that offers an easier, more effective method to ensure that education is constantly improving.

Related Links

Click a category to toggle display of related links.

What Is It?

On-the-Job Learning

This article provides an excellent description of on-the-job learning. Three approaches to this type of learning are facilitating study groups, engaging in action research, and keeping reflective logs. Several types of activities, such as school meetings, also hold promise for on-the-job learning. (From Journal of Staff Development, Summer 1999, National Staff Development Council)

On-the-Job Learning

This website gives an excellent, exhaustive list of ideas for on-the-job learning. (From Alberta Personnel Administration Office)

On-the-job Training

This brief overview of on-the-job training provides access to other articles and web-pages that focus on action research and keeping reflective journals, two specific examples of job-embedded learning. (From A Time Capsule of Training and Learning)

Themes in Education: Action Research

This booklet describes action research by giving its definition, history, and a list of different types that exist. Also included are sections on how to implement action research, its benefits, and 2 stories of schools that implemented this concept. (From Northeast and Islands Regional Educational Laboratory at Brown Univerisity)

What is Job-Embedded Learning and Why Should I Know About it?

Job-embedded learning is a professional development strategy used by many school districts across the country. This type of learning is often done in the form of study groups and action research. When engaged in job-embedded learning, professionals continue to foster their learning without being taken away from their jobs. (From National Training Partnership, p.7, Vol. 4, no. 3, September 1999., Education Development Center, Inc.)
Tools & Resources

Designing Job-Embedded Professional Learning: The Authentic Task Approach

The Authentic Task Approach is a model for educational leaders who want to implement job-embedded learning to help improve their schools. This approach describes eight steps in a program designed for working and learning that most effectively capitalizes on the increasingly pressing need to continuously learn more while tackling the real world. (From Learning Innovations, a Division of WestEd)

Leadership Development On-The-Job Learning

On-The-Job Learning is a practical way to incorporate learning into your every day activities at work. Here you can access a broad range of creative ideas to help you get started. (From Knowledge Fair 2000)

New Book in On-the-job Learning Launched

For those interested in job-embedded learning, there is a book available entitled, "On-the-job Learning: Creating Productive Work Environments." The review of this book briefly gives an overview of what on-the-job learning is and how it is beneficial when implemented in the workplace. (From August 28, 2000, Massey University, New Zealand)
Model Programs

On-the-Job Learning of Nontraditional Superintendents

Author Jay Matthews tells the story of a former US attorney who was hired as a superintendent by a San Diego school district. Matthews relates the on-the-job learning that occurred for this administrator, as well as other nontraditional administrators, in the educational system. (From The School Administrator Web Edition, February 1999, American Association of School Administrators)

Perspectives on School Leadership

This professional-development learning module, produced in cooperation with the BBC, provides school leaders with important practical and theoretical information on leadership. (From National College for School Leadership)
Selected Research & Articles

Importance of On-the-Job Experiences in Develooping Leadership Capabilities

This study explores the importance of on-the-job learning experiences which complement and supplement leadership development provided in formal education programs.

Informal Training: A Review of Existing Data and New Evidence

Because on-the-job training is a relatively new concept, there are few concrete studies that look in-depth at this concept. This paper analyzes the formal and the informal training information from four commonly used surveys, paying particular attention to 1993 and 1994 data from the National Longitudinal Surveys of Youth. One conclusion this survey reached is that job wage-growth increased with on-the-job training. (From US Department of Labor, 1998)

New Ways of Learning in the Workplace

Professionals should be engaged in continuous on-the-job learning and development. This digest addresses some of the new ways to learn at work, such as action learning, situated learning, and incidental learning. (From ERIC Digest No. 161, ED385778)