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Research to Practice:
      Learning Transfer Lessons
                     Dr. Ed Holton, CEO
    Jones S. Davis Distinguished Professor of Human Resource,
             Leadership & Organization Development
                     Louisiana State University
                  www.LTSGlobal.com (888) 877-9531
1                   © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
United States Training Industry
• $134 BILLION spent in the U.S. in 2008
  (ASTD)
     – Direct cost only; no trainee salaries/wages
       included
• Only 10 – 30% results in changed job
  performance



                  © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
2
But it gets worse…..
• Opportunity Cost:
     – Research says return of 8:1 is reasonable for
       good training
• Add salaries and wages of trainees
• Thus, the real cost is over




                  © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
3
Put This Into Perspective
    • U.S. government is spending this much to bail
      out all the banks and insurance companies
    • Imagine what the loss is WORLDWIDE?
    • How can we tell our CEO’s that we waste 70-
      90% of the money they invest?
    • Why can’t we do better?



                   © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
4
Training Transfer

    • Definition
      – The effective and continuing job application of
        the knowledge and skills gained in training




                   © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
5
Questions:

    • How much training transfers into job
      performance in
      – Your organization?
      – Your country?
    • Why are we content to accept such poor
      results?


                  © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
6
The Future of Training

    • Training is essential in the global
      knowledge economy
    • But, if we can’t deliver transfer, then
      training is wasted
    • The future of the training profession
      depends on solving this problem
    • It’s time to get serious!!!!!

                   © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
7
Learning Transfer System
               Inventory
                     Dr. Ed Holton, CEO
    Jones S. Davis Distinguished Professor of Human Resource,
             Leadership & Organization Development
                     Louisiana State University
8                   © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
Learning Transfer System Inventory
 (LTSI)
• Measures 16 factors
    – barriers and catalysts to transfer
    – factors tied to ‘leverage points’’ which are
      opportunities for intervention
• A diagnostic tool
• An evaluative tool
• Grounded in previous learning transfer
  research
                  © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
9
LTSI continued
 • 5 point Likert response scale(strongly disagree
   to strongly agree)
 • Scales
     – 11 for specific training program
     – 5 for training in general




                    © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
10
Latest Developments

 • Global validation study
     – 6,120 respondents
     – 17 countries (very diverse)
     – 14 different languages
 • Scales work across cultures and
   languages


                  © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
11
LTSI Fundamental Structure

     Ability       Motivation          Work
               X                X
                                    Environment
                                                  =


                   TRANSFER

12
The 16 LTSI Factors
     Ability                                                               Motivation
                                                                                   Transfer Effort-
          Content Validity                                                    Performance Expectations


                                                                               Transfer Performance-
                                                                               Outcomes Expectations
           Transfer Design
                                                                                  Learner Readiness
           Opportunity to
               Use                                                               Motivation to Transfer


               Personal
               Capacity                                                        Performance Self-Efficacy


13
                             © copyright Training Transfer Solutions LLC
The 16 LTSI Factors
      Work Environment
            Supervisor                                                  Personal Outcomes
             Support                                                         Positive


            Supervisor                                                  Personal Outcomes
            Sanctions                                                        Negative


                                                                          Resistance to
           Peer Support                                                     Change


           Performance
             Coaching

14
                          © copyright Training Transfer Solutions LLC
Global Findings
 • Learning transfer is a universal problem
 • Factors affecting it have been confirmed
   globally
 • Remarkable similarity in pattern of
   responses around the world
 • No cultural differences detectable


              © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
15
Leverage Points-Ability
 1. Content Validity
     – Universally mediocre
     – Due to cost reductions to drive efficiency??
 2. Transfer Design
     – Highly variable, but often mediocre




                  © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
16
Leverage Points-Ability
 3. Personal Capacity
     – Often mediocre
     – Trainees are too overworked and stressed to
       try new things
     – Increasing problem?




                 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
17
Leverage Points-Motivation
 • Generally motivation to transfer is good
 • However,
     – While trainees report they can change their
       performance if they try…
     – The link between changing their performance
       and positive outcomes is weak!



                 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
18
Leverage Points-Work Environment
 • Most serious issues are in these factors
 • Reflects:
     – Lack of a systemic focus on learning
     – Over-emphasis on design and delivery
     – Silo nature of learning and development
       departments



                 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
19
Leverage Points-Work Environment
 1. Accountability
     – No consequences for NOT transferring
     – Few rewards for transfer




                 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
20
Leverage Points-Work Environment
 2. Supervisors-Two Patterns
     – Laissez-Faire
       •   No proactive support for transfer
       •   No proactive opposition to transfer
       •   THEY JUST DON”T CARE
     – Actively Oppose Transfer




                    © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
21
Leverage Points-Work Environment
 3. Learning Community
     – Peer Support can be MORE powerful than
       supervisor support
     – Performance Coaching is usually weak




                © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
22
Leverage Points-The Power of Data
 1. Diagnostic data is a powerful catalyst for
    change
 2. Performance change data is necessary
    for accountability




               © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
23
Conclusions
 • Bad News
     – Traditional training is often systemically
       flawed
 • Good News
     – ENORMOUS potential for improved ROI
 • Less could be more
 • Learning Transfer System Audit Checklist

                   © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
24
Contact Info:
          www.LTSGlobal.com
          edholton@ltsglobal.com
          LinkedIn: Dr. Ed Holton
          Facebook.com/LTSGlobal
          Twitter: DrEdHolton
          (888) 877-9531



             © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
25

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Learning Transfer System Inventory research

  • 1. Research to Practice: Learning Transfer Lessons Dr. Ed Holton, CEO Jones S. Davis Distinguished Professor of Human Resource, Leadership & Organization Development Louisiana State University www.LTSGlobal.com (888) 877-9531 1 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
  • 2. United States Training Industry • $134 BILLION spent in the U.S. in 2008 (ASTD) – Direct cost only; no trainee salaries/wages included • Only 10 – 30% results in changed job performance © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 2
  • 3. But it gets worse….. • Opportunity Cost: – Research says return of 8:1 is reasonable for good training • Add salaries and wages of trainees • Thus, the real cost is over © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 3
  • 4. Put This Into Perspective • U.S. government is spending this much to bail out all the banks and insurance companies • Imagine what the loss is WORLDWIDE? • How can we tell our CEO’s that we waste 70- 90% of the money they invest? • Why can’t we do better? © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 4
  • 5. Training Transfer • Definition – The effective and continuing job application of the knowledge and skills gained in training © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 5
  • 6. Questions: • How much training transfers into job performance in – Your organization? – Your country? • Why are we content to accept such poor results? © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 6
  • 7. The Future of Training • Training is essential in the global knowledge economy • But, if we can’t deliver transfer, then training is wasted • The future of the training profession depends on solving this problem • It’s time to get serious!!!!! © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 7
  • 8. Learning Transfer System Inventory Dr. Ed Holton, CEO Jones S. Davis Distinguished Professor of Human Resource, Leadership & Organization Development Louisiana State University 8 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC
  • 9. Learning Transfer System Inventory (LTSI) • Measures 16 factors – barriers and catalysts to transfer – factors tied to ‘leverage points’’ which are opportunities for intervention • A diagnostic tool • An evaluative tool • Grounded in previous learning transfer research © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 9
  • 10. LTSI continued • 5 point Likert response scale(strongly disagree to strongly agree) • Scales – 11 for specific training program – 5 for training in general © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 10
  • 11. Latest Developments • Global validation study – 6,120 respondents – 17 countries (very diverse) – 14 different languages • Scales work across cultures and languages © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 11
  • 12. LTSI Fundamental Structure Ability Motivation Work X X Environment = TRANSFER 12
  • 13. The 16 LTSI Factors Ability Motivation Transfer Effort- Content Validity Performance Expectations Transfer Performance- Outcomes Expectations Transfer Design Learner Readiness Opportunity to Use Motivation to Transfer Personal Capacity Performance Self-Efficacy 13 © copyright Training Transfer Solutions LLC
  • 14. The 16 LTSI Factors Work Environment Supervisor Personal Outcomes Support Positive Supervisor Personal Outcomes Sanctions Negative Resistance to Peer Support Change Performance Coaching 14 © copyright Training Transfer Solutions LLC
  • 15. Global Findings • Learning transfer is a universal problem • Factors affecting it have been confirmed globally • Remarkable similarity in pattern of responses around the world • No cultural differences detectable © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 15
  • 16. Leverage Points-Ability 1. Content Validity – Universally mediocre – Due to cost reductions to drive efficiency?? 2. Transfer Design – Highly variable, but often mediocre © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 16
  • 17. Leverage Points-Ability 3. Personal Capacity – Often mediocre – Trainees are too overworked and stressed to try new things – Increasing problem? © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 17
  • 18. Leverage Points-Motivation • Generally motivation to transfer is good • However, – While trainees report they can change their performance if they try… – The link between changing their performance and positive outcomes is weak! © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 18
  • 19. Leverage Points-Work Environment • Most serious issues are in these factors • Reflects: – Lack of a systemic focus on learning – Over-emphasis on design and delivery – Silo nature of learning and development departments © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 19
  • 20. Leverage Points-Work Environment 1. Accountability – No consequences for NOT transferring – Few rewards for transfer © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 20
  • 21. Leverage Points-Work Environment 2. Supervisors-Two Patterns – Laissez-Faire • No proactive support for transfer • No proactive opposition to transfer • THEY JUST DON”T CARE – Actively Oppose Transfer © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 21
  • 22. Leverage Points-Work Environment 3. Learning Community – Peer Support can be MORE powerful than supervisor support – Performance Coaching is usually weak © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 22
  • 23. Leverage Points-The Power of Data 1. Diagnostic data is a powerful catalyst for change 2. Performance change data is necessary for accountability © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 23
  • 24. Conclusions • Bad News – Traditional training is often systemically flawed • Good News – ENORMOUS potential for improved ROI • Less could be more • Learning Transfer System Audit Checklist © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 24
  • 25. Contact Info: www.LTSGlobal.com edholton@ltsglobal.com LinkedIn: Dr. Ed Holton Facebook.com/LTSGlobal Twitter: DrEdHolton (888) 877-9531 © copyright Learning Transfer Solutions Global LLC 25