‘Are interactive activities effective in engaging adults in workplace learning?’

Mahon, Kellie (2012) ‘Are interactive activities effective in engaging adults in workplace learning?’. Masters thesis, National College of Ireland.

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Abstract

The aim of this study is to explore the effects of activity based learning; the focus is on the interactive side of learning and the importance of interactive activities on training courses for adult learners.

Observations were conducted on two mixed groups; the areas of interest which were identified during this process were the participants’ behaviors, their interaction and engagement with the activity, the facilitator and with their colleagues. These findings helped formulate the survey questions, 150 surveys were randomly issued to employees who had attended the specific training. The study also included conducting interviews,interviewee’s were asked to complete the full Honey and Mumford learning styles questionnaire to identify their preferred learning style.

The responses in this study indicated that ‘Interactive Activities’ within this training course were not only effective but also increased the engagement and enjoyment for the adult in workplace learning. It was also evident from the research that the activities allowed learners an opportunity to participate, involve themselves and draw from their experience. Another aspect of the study which was revealed was the central role of the facilitator within the entire process, with the facilitator actively involved the response from the adult learner was positive in terms of buy in, involvement and engagement.

However, while the findings of the research indicate that ‘Interactive Activities’ within a training course are effective for adults in workplace learning it must be remembered that these findings relate to a small cohort of learners within the host organisation, the course was specific to this organisation and therefore did not have enough of an external focus in order to make significant correlation or comparison to adults outside the organisation.

Item Type:	Thesis (Masters)
Subjects:	L Education > LB Theory and practice of education L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education L Education > LC Special aspects / Types of education > LC5201 Education extension. Adult education. Continuing education H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Performance Management > Motivation H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Organisational Behaviour H Social Sciences > HD Industries. Land use. Labor > HD28 Management. Industrial Management > Human Resource Management > Training and Development
Divisions:	School of Business > Master of Arts in Learning and Teaching
Depositing User:	Clair McAuley
Date Deposited:	05 Apr 2013 16:46
Last Modified:	05 Apr 2013 16:48
URI:	https://norma.ncirl.ie/id/eprint/766

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