Examples of Learning and Development in Practice

Here we profile a university medical school, which, like many others across the UK, has radically redesigned its undergraduate curriculum. The course now takes a student-centred approach that reflects many of the principles of accelerated learning, using problem-based methods to help students create meaningful experiences that are directly relevant to their future careers.

The Brain Gym programme, regarded by many as controversial, is based on the concept that learning integrates both mind and body. Developed by Dr Paul Dennison in the 1970s, it is a series of simple physical exercises for preparing people to learn effectively.

Transport for London’s approach to analysing and designing individually tailored IT training requirements is considered here.

We investigate the Defence Aviation Repair Agency’s (DARA) approach to developing a commercial awareness amongst their employees through empowerment.

This good practice example examines INA Bearing’s use of learning as a competitive tool.

The increasing use and flexibility of the internet has given workers a number of new avenues to engage in informal learning. The US Army may be one of the last places that many would expect this new approach to learning to be embraced but in the last few years, an online community has become an important source of learning for officers serving in Iraq.

Here we outline how international trainer and consultant Isobel Heaton uses a ‘paintbox’ of accelerated learning techniques to create positive, meaningful and enjoyable learning experiences for her learners.

A look at General Electric’s much admired commitment to the development of its staff.

We examine how Lancaster University undertook a learning needs analysis for all its 1,800 staff members.

A article examining the John Lewis Partnership’s approach to employee development.

The supermarket chain has set up staff councils in all of its stores to allow its employees to make senior management aware of their development needs far more easily than was previously the case.

An article examining the process of development needs analysis which lies behind Sun Microsystems’ development programme.

The Theatre of Ideas uses techniques from the world of the performing arts to deliver creative training workshops to corporate clients. In this article, we outline how the company uses these techniques to encourage lateral thinking and promote learning.

A wide spectrum of learning, training and development departments are using the techniques of accelerated learning to transform their orientation programmes.

The University of Edinburgh has been exploring the learning opportunities afforded by Second Life since 2005. This article takes a look at the activities that they facilitate in this virtual world, and discusses their future plans for the environment.