According to the 70:20:10 Model for Learning and Development, only about 10% of what we know about how to perform our jobs comes from formal training. The other 90% we acquire through vicarious learning (informal job-related experiences and interactions with others). With this in mind, please respond to the following questions/prompts…

1) Think of a job that you have had (you are welcome to choose the ‘job’ of being a student if you do not have much prior work experience); What important knowledge and/or skills did you learn within the context of that job that no one ever officially taught you?

2) When you left the above-mentioned job, how well did you retain the officially taught information? How well did you retain the information that no one ever officially taught you? (If you are still employed, then how much of each type of information do you expect to retain one to five years after leaving your current position?)

ANSWER

The Value of Informal Learning in the Workplace

Introduction

In today’s rapidly changing work environment, learning is a lifelong process. The 70:20:10 Model for Learning and Development suggests that a significant portion of our knowledge and skills are acquired informally, primarily through job-related experiences and interactions with colleagues. This essay explores the significance of informal learning by reflecting on my previous job experience and how it has shaped my understanding of the 70:20:10 Model.

Informal Learning in My Previous Job

In my previous job as a marketing coordinator, I learned several important knowledge and skills through informal means that no one officially taught me:

Client Communication: While formal training provided the basics of client communication, the nuances of building strong client relationships were mostly learned informally. Colleagues shared their experiences and insights, helping me understand the importance of active listening and empathy in communication.

Time Management: My job demanded juggling multiple projects with strict deadlines. I acquired effective time management skills by observing how experienced colleagues organized their work, prioritized tasks, and efficiently managed their schedules.

Industry Insights: Understanding the industry landscape, market trends, and competitors was a continuous learning process. Engaging in discussions with coworkers, attending industry events, and reading relevant materials exposed me to invaluable insights beyond what formal training provided.

Adaptability: The marketing field evolves rapidly. Adapting to new tools, technologies, and strategies was crucial. Colleagues often introduced me to the latest marketing tools and shared their hands-on experiences with emerging trends.

Retention of Knowledge

Upon leaving my previous job, I observed differences in the retention of formally taught and informally acquired knowledge:

Formally Taught Information: While I retained the fundamental concepts and theories taught during formal training, my ability to apply them in real-world scenarios diminished over time. These concepts served as a foundational understanding of marketing but became less relevant as the industry continued to evolve.

Informally Acquired Information: The knowledge and skills gained through informal learning proved to be more enduring. Understanding the dynamics of effective client communication, time management, industry insights, and adaptability remained relevant and applicable, even in a different job context. This retention was not only helpful in my next role but also served as a basis for continuous learning.

If I were to leave my current position, I would anticipate a similar pattern. Formal training would provide me with a fundamental understanding of the industry and its requirements. However, it is the informal learning, including interactions with colleagues, on-the-job experiences, and staying updated with industry developments, that would continue to enhance my expertise and adaptability.

Conclusion

The 70:20:10 Model for Learning and Development highlights the significance of informal learning in the workplace. While formal training equips employees with essential knowledge, it is the informal learning experiences that truly shape their expertise and adaptability. As the work landscape evolves, encouraging and recognizing the value of informal learning is crucial for personal and professional growth. Informal learning is not a supplementary aspect but an integral component of continuous development in the modern workforce.