Overview
Why self-directed learning is key
Self-directed learning is "a process in which individuals take initiative, with or without the help of others, in diagnosing their learning needs, formulating learning goals, identifying human and material resources for learning, choosing and implementing appropriate learning strategies, and evaluating learning outcomes." Malcom Knowles, American Adult Educator.
Self-directed learners are empowered, ready, willing, and able to independently prepare, execute, and complete their learning.
Self-directed learning is necessary in the modern working environment. Employees must constantly learn, improve, and adapt to economic, societal and technological changes in order to avoid becoming obsolete – mostly because workplaces will continually change work practices in order to be more productive and/or competitive. Self-directed learning is therefore an essential competency.
Tarmac aims to become a learning organisation by creating a culture of continuous learning and building a more agile workforce.
Tips for learning:
Build and communicate a shared vision to employees at all levels:
- You can support self-directed learning by clearly communicating organisational goals and needs so your employees can better align their personal vision to these goals.
- IDPs also hold individual employees accountable. By tying their IDPs to the larger organisational vision, learning can become better aligned with business outcomes as well.
Learning Agility
It can be often assumed that skills development only happens as a result of a training course. However, 70% of learning happens through new experiences and challenges. Learning Agility is the ability and willingness to learn from experience, and subsequently apply that learning to perform successfully under new and challenging conditions. This ability can be developed through experience and adaptability.
Tools to help you start your development:
IDP Guidance
This is a guide for employees and managers to help prepare for IDP conversations (includes example IDPs)
Mind Tools
A great self-directed learning tool tailored to Tarmac employees. Mind Tools will help you learn in the flow of work.
For more information on individual development planning contact: