OVERVIEW
Studies reveal that on average, less than 10% of adult learners who attend conventional courses and training programmes are capable (without additional support/input) of practically applying the information/data that the course provided. This alarmingly low “efficiency of learning” characterises the large majority of both formal and informal education and training from pre-primary schools to state of the art learning centres. As with any inefficient system costs are high, production is low and morale continually needs to be boosted.
The problem will clearly not be solved by doing more of the same or even doing the same things differently. What is required is a radical shift in the way in which, from an almost infinite source, information/data is selected, presented, experienced, contextualised, personalised and most importantly, applied or utilised.
COGMOTICS
For the past 20 years AAHA Learning has passionately and diligently explored alternatives to traditional ways of educating, learning, training and coaching. Great strides have been made through the discovery and application of Cogmotics, a truly holistic or geodesic educational approach which is fun and enjoyable, involves all five faculties, personalises and accelerates learning, contextualises information and optimises understanding and retention.
In spite of the fact that Cogmotics has been widely acclaimed and utilised and assisted thousands to re-discover their lost love of learning, it is equally true that the large majority of our past delegates flounder with bridging the gap between knowledge and application. Our structured and uniquely customised PARAKLETOS service addresses and supports this vital and hitherto neglected part of the learning process.
PARAKLETOS
Parakletos is a Greek word meaning “the one that walks beside you”. Our unique learningshops usually take place outside the work environment in lodge type or bushveld settings to optimise the learning experiences. In these settings delegates experience, explore, analyse and identifiy holistic theories, principles and practices of many systems and at many levels from both a professional and personal perspective.
Detailed envisioning and goal setting exercises ensure the formulation of specific “work-related maps”. Most delegates have every intention of applying these new insights and plans. However, when they return to their “work territory” deadlines, old habits and the fear and uncertainty of doing things differently will in the large majority of cases, relegate these passionately designed “maps of good intentions” to the bottom of a filing cabinet or even worse, to the shredding machine.
With the PARAKLETOS approach we take Cogmotics into the workplace instead of our clients coming to us.
Relevant themes, issues, topics and/or problems in the workplace are identified and then we create appropriate experiences/actions around these. Learnings and insights begin to emerge and goals and plans of action are formulated. In bridging the gap between our clients theoretical goals/visions (map) and practical actions (territory), our role is first to collectively build a simple, workable structure between the map and the territory. Having done this we then invite them to cross this make-shift bridge, encourage and support their crossing, celebrate their successes and analyse mistakes. Finally, we urge them to build bridges of their own and then joyously and timeously step away just before we get in the way.
COST IMPLICATIONS
- Compared to our Cogmotic seminars and learningshops, the Parakletos service is very labour, time and cost efficient.
- Learning experiences or presentations need not be limited to a few select or advantaged individuals but can include any interested and available employees.
- Participants may attend sessions of varying duration(15 to 120 min) causing minimal disruption to normal work duties and schedules.
- New insights and learnings can be immediately implemented or applied in the workplace creating powerful on-the-job learning and change opportunities.
- Our learner centred and impartial approach significantly promote the emergence of really pressing, sensitive issues and/or problem areas. The benefits of dealing proactively rather than reactively with such issues is obvious.
- Substantial savings in transport, drinks and hotel accommodation costs are made.
- The PARAKLETOS service is based on an hourly contact rate(minimum of 6 hours/day) which is less than the daily seminar or learningshop rate.
- For organisations with adequate budgets we recommend a combination and integration of both the Parakletos and learningshop services.