Originally
Published by New Horizons For Learning, "On The Beam"
An International Human Resource Network.
Volume X, No. 1
By Jan Kuyper Erland
A medical professional omits a detail in a surgical procedure, with possible serious consequences for the patient, and malpractice implications for the practitioner. An
auto mechanic completing work on a brake job fails to replace a small part in the reassembly sequence, placing the owner of the vehicle in jeopardy. An airline cockpit
crew fails to properly follow the pre-flight checklist, resulting in the wing flaps not
being in the proper position for take-off. The plane crashes with a heavy loss of life.
A milling
machine operator incorrectly reads a dimension in the machining sequence
of a casting. Certainly not fatal, but it reflects poorly on the
operator's competence, causes production delays, and increases costs.
These
are but a few examples of information sequencing errors and omissions that
are occurring in our workplace with increasing frequency, with results from
minor to catastrophic.
They
are part of our everyday scene, visible to all, as technology increases
and the
mental demands of today's occupations intensify.
What
relationship do these and similar step-wise "How-To" information processing errors have to do with classroom and occupational training? Perhaps a great deal.
In
today's educational system, the application of critical and analytical
thinking is
being neglected. There is no general term that describes
the critical skills needed to compute, operate machinery, communicate orally,
remember procedural information
in manuals, and read charts, maps, blueprints,
or invoices.
Students,
after being taught to read, memorize, take notes and interpret multiple
choice tests, often lack the ability to apply this training to competent
on-the-job-performance. They are deficient with problem-solving
skills, have difficulty evaluating and interpreting information, drawing
inferences, arriving at conclusions, and assigning importance to implications
and possible consequences.
How
can we bridge the gap between formal classroom education and
competent daily work skills? There is no one simple solution, however,
a cognitive training approach of rapidly scanning information is showing outstanding results:The Bridge To Achievement ® with High Performance Thinking ® training.
Increasing
recognition and attention must be given to the importance of sequencing
ability and how it applies tothe foundation of analytical ability and
critical thinking. The result could very well be more efficient and
productive students and workers in our society.
Jan Kuyper Erland, M. S. Intervention Consultant
Mem-ExSpan, Inc.
The Bridge To Achievement ®
Tele: 785-749-5402 email:jan@memspan.com
