Workplace Informal Learning Matrix (WILM)
The WILM is an assessment tool that measures the complexity of workplace knowledge and skills required in a specific job classification. Using an essential skills framework, it measures 'soft skills' dimensions including communication, problem solving, decision making, working with others, leadership, workplace culture, diversity, and learning.
Informal Learning
Learning resulting from daily life activities related to work, family, or leisure. It is not structured in terms of learning objectives, learning time or learning support and typically does not lead to certification. Informal learning may be intentional but in most cases it is non-intentional or random.
Transferable Skills
Transferable skills are the skills acquired throughout life, work and education experiences that can be used in a variety of different situations. These transferable skills may include technical, communication, leadership, and management skills to name a few. Most individuals have up to 700 skills. Your skills are a critical part of who you are and what you know.
Documentation of Learning
Documentation of learning is the verification of prior learning including certificates, performance reports, transcripts, testimonial letters, letters of recommendation and reading lists.
Environmental Considerations
Adults need to feel comfortable communicating in their environment. If the workplace is an open concept such as cubicles, employees may feel anxious or defensive sharing personal or sensitive information around others. When a manager or fellow coworker is sensitive to the environment, they take steps to ensure the communication environment is private and confidential if sensitive matters are to be discussed.
Self Direction
Adults are in control of the direction and focus of their learning. Self initiated learning involves the whole person (feelings as well as intellect) Control captures interest and encourages responsibility and dedication.
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition (PLAR)
Prior Learning Assessment and Recognition is the process of identifying, documenting, assessing and recognizing both informal and formal learning experiences. PLAR identifies the knowledge and skills which have been acquired through these experiences. The recognition of prior learning may be used for credit in an educational institution or for employment opportunities.
Performance Reviews
Performance Reviews are the yearly assessments of work performance. The performance reviews may include learning plans, career pathing and goal setting.
Hierarchy
Organizations working in a hierarchy tend to have a top down management approach. The management has the final decision and employees answer to the next level of management.
Collaborative Learning
A collaborative work environment is one focusing on a team approach where employees have input into the decision making process.
Research/ Resources for Learning
The use of resources and research in the workplace refers to manuals, work orders, publications, the internet access or the questioning of others for the purpose of gathering information necessary to do a work task effectively.
Hidden Learning
Hidden learning refers to learning that takes place secretly beyond the scope of an individual's job description. Most often hidden learning occurs informally and management may be unaware learning is taking place. The learning may remain hidden because of employee's fear of judgment, fear of added responsibility or fear loosing their current position.
Workplace Culture
Culture is a set of learned thoughts, attitudes and behaviors that are practiced in our daily lives. The workplace has a culture that is unique to that environment. The workplace culture is the unwritten rules that make up the climate of the workplace.
English as an Additional Language (EAL)
Formerly English as a Second Language (ESL) it was recognized immigrants are often able to speak several languages so the term was changed to reflect the multiple languages spoken. Employers may ask immigrants to communicate with others who speak the same language in the workplace. In some workplaces, other languages may be spoken on the job. For example in some northern communities, Cree is the language on the job.
Critical Thinking
Critical thinking is the process of evaluating ideas or information, using a rational, logical thought process, and referring to objective criteria, to reach a rational judgment. Critical thinking means choosing and exercising the methods most appropriate for determining the true worth, merit or value of something- an idea, a plan, a statement of supposed facts etc. It is the process of making a judgment based on careful analysis, tangible evidence, and logical interpretation.
Mentoring
It is a way to transfer knowledge from one generation of employees to the next one. It is a method of transferring skills and supporting continuous learning throughout all levels of organizations
A mentor will be able to guide mentees, help them, take them under his or her wing, and nurture their career development. Some informal mentors may provide individualized supports to learn skills on the job.
Conflict Resolution
Conflict resolution is the process of resolving a dispute or a conflict. Successful conflict resolution occurs by providing each side's needs, and adequately addressing their interests so that they are each satisfied with the outcome. Conflict resolution aims to end conflicts before they start or lead to verbal, physical, or legal fighting.
More common in the workplace is conflict management, where conflict is a deliberate personal, social and organizational tool used by capable managers.
Communication Strategies
As organizations reduce management levels and flatten out the organizational chart, interpersonal communications skills become a major component in effective workplaces. Effective communication strategies vary to suit a variety of audiences including staff, managers, customers, suppliers, coworkers etc. Communication includes team building, listening skills, presentation skills, working in diversity and email etiquette.
Risk Factor
Risk factor is the amount of risk an individual takes when making a decision in the workplace. Is there personal or professional loss at stake with each decision? Could the employee lose their job or cause others to be in physical danger or could company lose clients hurt or killed by their decision?
Grow your Workforce
Growing the workforce refers to the organizations need to promote employees from within the organization. Traditionally the workplace has been able to find new trained employees from graduates of Post Secondary education. Nowadays, these workers may not be available. Companies need to train and upgrade current employees
Application of New Learning
Adults use what they learn soon after they learn it. With immediate use, it becomes easy to establish a connection between a specific activity and the useful performance of the new knowledge. Immediacy reinforces and locks in the new data.
Experiential Learning
In an experiential learning environment, the adult is learning through practical application. The adult may have a mentor or coach to guide them through the learning process. The adult understands the general principles and applies the general principles to new situations.
Essential Skills
Essential skills are the skills needed for work, learning and life. They provide the foundation for learning all other skills and enable people to evolve with their jobs and adapt to workplace change.
Through extensive research, the Government of Canada and other national and international agencies have identified and validated nine essential skills. These skills are used in nearly very occupation and throughout daily life in different ways and at different levels of complexity. The nine essential skills as outlined by the Government of Canada include:
reading text, document use, numeracy, writing, oral communication working with others, continuous learning, thinking skills (finding information, decision making, job task planning, and organizing, problem solving, use of memory) and computer use.
For the purpose of this research, the essential skills referred to are the soft skills required for the job including problem solving, decision making, workplace culture, learning, diversity and culture, leadership, communication and working with others. The hard skills or technical skills are more easily assessed in the workplace and so they have been omitted for the purpose of the research. |
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