Transfer of Training Best Practices: Using Job Aids to Transfer Skills

When it comes to learning anything new, practice makes perfect.

For those who have never used chopsticks before, the simple task of picking up a mushroom can be embarrassing and frustrating. While it may feel too difficult at first, most people can be successful after just a few tries if they have a little guidance.

For example,

First, hold one chopstick between your thumb and middle finger so that the chopstick rests in a stationery position at the base of your thumb.
Next, place the remaining chopstick between your thumb and forefinger making sure that the ends of the chopsticks are parallel to each other.
Carefully position the chopsticks around the mushroom and put it in your mouth.

If you are like most people, while these instructions are accurate, they will do little to transfer the skills from this article to the sushi bar. The same is true when you want to transfer skills from a training session to the job. Learners need more than clear instructions. They need appropriately designed job aids, practice, and coaching. In the chopsticks example, a much more effective instructional design for the transfer of skills would be a video showing the three steps, time to practice with an expert on various types of food, and feedback along the way with tips and tricks.