Unit 3 – Decision: Which solution should be chosen?

In the previous step participants have planned their own learning path/activity, in order to reach intended learning objectives. Within this planning, participants have, for example, described what additional information they will need to acquire, what working tasks or working opportunities they need in order to carry out learning tasks, and who they need to work/learn with. In addition, required materials and media, and a timeframe should have been described.

It has already been mentioned that participants are responsible for their own learning, and – as such – also for planning and executing this learning. Subsequently, the process of deciding whether the planned learning path can be carried out will usually not consist of a single decision made by a manager, but instead consist more or less of a dialogue between participants and all other stakeholders regarding different aspects of the feasibility of the plan. For example, participants present their learning plan to different stakeholders and other participants and receive feedback on (expected/required) opportunities to learn at the workplace, and on the expected ‘time-to-competence’. In case of feedback proposing major changes to the plan, participants might then be able to revise – and possibly re-discuss it -, minor remarks can be processed while carrying out the learning activities.

Several questions can be asked when deciding on the planned learning path:

·         Do the learning steps/activities match the learning objectives? (content, timeframe, etc)

·         Which resources/materials are required, will these be possible to obtain and use?

·         Is the workplace suited for the learning task?