Back
Background
The relevance of synchronous learning took on a heightened significance in today’ s landscape. Following the wave of the COVID-19 pandemic, it has further accelerated the redundancy of traditional face-to-face classroom training. Though the pandemic has restricted classroom training, such training has also been proven to be ineffective in providing the learning experience employees are looking for today.This is especially so when employees not only want a more engaging and modern learning experience that incorporates tech-tools (i.e., videos, podcasts, and other forms of digital content), but also a training experience that is available for them on demand, where they can pursue learning in their free time and at their own pace.
At a Glance
For organisations operating globally, how can leaders ensure that employees are adequately trained, despite geographical boundaries and limitations in face-to-face interactions following the pandemic?For Murata Electronics Singapore Pte Ltd (Murata Singapore), there was an inherent need to incorporate synchronous, techenabled learning and upskill its in-house trainers to be competent in conducting hybrid learning for existing and new employees at the organisation.
In pursuit of the above, Murata Singapore embarked on a NACE@IAL project with IAL in 2022.
Transforming the workforce through the NACE@IAL consultancy initiative
Through the NACE@IAL project, Murata Singapore sought to relook into its learning curriculum and transition learning beyond traditional means through the use of tech tools to shift learning online, and enhance the learning experience of its employees."As we expand our pool of certified trainers internally, there is an emerging need to set standards for their competencies given the prevalent utilisation of virtual platforms for learning. Managing virtual online sessions have become an essential skill for all trainers. To effectively do so, we sought support and guidance from an expert, which is the Institute of Adult Learning through the NACE@IAL initiative."
- Ms. Ellen Chee, Human Resource Development Manager
"Having a team means no one has to work alone and struggle through specific tasks. I am glad that my team members are patient, open to suggestions, generous, and willing to share their expertise and perspectives. Most importantly, there is mutual trust and respect for one another. Through effective teamwork, we managed to learn from one another while we work towards achieving a common goal of enhancing the skillsets and competencies of our internal trainers."
- Ms. Daphne Chua, Specialist Adult Educator
Identifying existing performance gaps
To strengthen the competencies of its trainers within the organisation, the project team at Murata Singapore had to identify the performance gaps existing at the workplace. This involved the following activities:- Conducted skills gap analysis to determine the current state of competencies with regard to learning design, development and facilitation of synchronous e-learning and hybrid learning through interviews and surveys with key stakeholders
- Facilitated internal capability development for competencies in learning design, development and facilitation of synchronous e-learning and hybrid learning.
This included having customised workshops targeted at developing the competencies of trainers to adopt the Technological Pedagogical Content Knowledge (TPACK) Framework.
Following the above, trainers had to demonstrate and apply the skills acquired through mentored performance in tasks relating to learning design, development, and facilitation.
Integration of workplace learning interventions
After the identification of gaps, the project team at Murata Singapore, together with IAL’ s workplace learning consultant, worked together to co-develop and implement the following:- A Skills Gap Analysis Report focusing on learning design, development and facilitation of synchronous e-learning and hybrid learning
- Customised workshops to equip the core team with capabilities to adopt the TPACK framework in designing, developing and facilitating synchronous e-learning and hybrid learning
- Mentoring sessions for core team members to ensure effective application of skills to their tasks
Scaling up on the workplace learning imperative
At the end of the project with NACE@IAL, Murata Singapore was able to achieve the following outcomes:- Successfully validated TPACK framework for the design, development, and facilitation of synchronous e-learning.
- Developed a competent and confident core team in designing, developing, facilitating synchronous elearning as trainers rated themselves an average of 3.67 out of 5 after the project, in comparison to 3.13 before the project.
- A team of over 20 in-house trainers has benefited through the consultancy project.
Materials and knowledge transfer from existing employees will benefit new trainers in the long run as well.
The implementation of workplace learning interventions did not come easy, as the project team faced several challenges along the way. These challenges fall into two categories, mainly (1) people and (2) environment.
(1) In-house trainers comprise of individuals from different departments, i.e., Human Resource (HR), Environmental Health Safety (EHS) and Engineering, it was a challenge trying to schedule a common timing to conduct the customised workshops for members in the core teams as they also had to fulfil their primary job functions.
(2) The initial phase of the project had to come to a halt due to COVID-19 pandemic.
To mitigate the above challenges, IAL’ s workplace learning solutionist adopted a consultative approach in scheduling for customised workshops, pilot sessions and follow-up sessions with members of the core team. In addition, the workplace learning solutionist also initiated a series of short meetings over Zoom to reorganise and workaround the constraints in place. With the support of the core team, the progress of the project resumed back on track
Ultimately, the journey to developing a skilled workforce would not have been made possible without the following factors as well:
- Ample support from the management throughout the journey
- Strong commitment from the Project Champion to liaise with the internal stakeholders and IAL’ s workplace learning solutionist in facilitating and driving the project
What's next for Murata Singapore
As the NACE@IAL consultancy project with NACE@IAL focused on one of Murata Singapore’ s three business priorities, the team is looking at the possible follow-ups:- To establish a formal qualification system for inhouse trainers and assessors from different departments
- To establish a concrete training evaluation model for all in-house and external training programmes as a means to uplift the quality of training programme