Skills are top-of-mind for many organizational leaders. Former linkedin chief learning officer, kelly palmer, and david blake, co-founder of degreed, think they know why.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in their much-publicized book, the expertise economy: how the smartest companies use learning to engage, compete and succeed , the pair depicts a future of work that is more about diverse and unique skill sets —transforming their employees into experts and ultimately, creating their biggest competitive advantage — than about knowledge, roles, and job hierarchies.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in an expertise economy, professionals must be able to evolve, to constantly develop new skills, and become experts at jobs and roles that barely exist today.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom the authors outline a case for corporate learning where skills are the currency with which employees navigate into, within, and across organizations.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

“even the best universities are increasingly failing to prepare students with the skills they need,” cautions blake. While colleges and universities may be teaching students problem-solving, writing, and basic project management skills designed to get papers and projects submitted on time, most are not developing the skills required to instantly convert excellent students into skilled professionals.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom skills development will primarily become the employer’s (and employees’) responsibility.

With the accelerated speed of technology change, professionals who are expert today need to master new technologies constantly and continuously, just to keep up.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom they need to constantly upskill. That goes for today’s expert AI professionals, cybersecurity experts, intelligence analysts, car mechanics, system engineers, and pretty much everyone else who touches technology or whose job is influenced by technology.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom in other words, pretty much everyone.

There are many benefits of upskilling employees. For one, you don’t need to go through the time and expense of hiring and onboarding new employees.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom your starting point is a current employee – someone who already has a solid skill set, who is familiar with your organization and culture, and who, presumably, is committed to his or her job and your company.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

Reskilling is about acquiring new skill sets. Certainly, your recent college grads will need to acquire more skills to succeed in their first jobs out of school.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom but they are not the only ones. As mckinsey & company point out in the skill shift discussion paper, the coming of automation, digitization, and AI will make many of today’s important skills, at all levels of your organization, obsolete tomorrow.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

The U.S., for example, is closely tracking the evolution of self-driving vehicles and last mile delivery robots. Companies that transport parcels, goods, and people (think amazon, walmart, ford, lyft, and even the U.S.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom postal service) are seeking to improve efficiencies and reduce expenses – from the long-haul trips between distribution centers to neighborhood deliveries.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

In their book, palmer and blake outline three levels for learning cultures. At the most basic level, companies engage in “compliance training” — workplace safety and workplace behavior training that’s required.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom next is “necessary training,” designed to help employees build job-specific skills. It’s the highest level of “continuous learning,” the authors contend, that companies should want to cultivate.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom

In a continuous learning culture, employees learn every day. Podcasts, videos, elearning, mentoring, and other formal and informal learning tools blend naturally into how employees work.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom they learn skills that help them do their jobs better as well as those that help them contribute to the company more broadly, positioning both parties for long-term success.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom are you looking to step up your game for the expertise economy? Read our white paper for talent management strategies to build your future workforce.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom or contact us to see how webmentor skills, avilar’s skills management software, can help you track, manage, and harness skills and competencies in your organization.Cognitive learning theory in the classroom