Welcome to Unit 1 of the module B867 Workplace learning with coaching and mentoring.
This module addresses the challenges of workplace learning in a complex and fast-changing world in which organisations and those who work for them must constantly find new and better ways to remain competitive. The acronym VUCA has been coined to describe an environment that is volatile, uncertain, complex and ambiguous and shows no sign of changing its character; the effects of globalisation compound the challenges both for organisations and for individuals in the workplace. This fast-changing context puts a premium on learning, both for individuals and for the organisation, and on strategic thinking about how this can best be achieved.
The term ‘human resource development’ (HRD) has been widely adopted to express the importance of this strategic approach and in this module you will develop the skills to lead and contribute to the development of strategies for HRD, and to human resource management (HRM) and business strategies more generally. You will also explore how models and theories of learning have evolved to meet the demands of a changing context and about the contribution the HRD professional can make to supporting learning and to evaluating and demonstrating its value.
Perhaps most importantly of all you will practise managing your own learning so that you can continuously develop the skills you need to be effective. There is an emphasis throughout this module on workplace and practice-based learning and, relatedly, on reflective learning and continuing professional development. You will be asked to apply the ideas and theories you study to your own practice and you will be asked to reflect on this practice, to record your reflections and to explore the variation of practice in different contexts. One particular area in which you will do this is in the area of coaching and mentoring – and you will have the opportunity to develop and practise coaching and mentoring skills.
This first unit, which is the equivalent of one week’s study time (i.e. 12–13 hours), will give you an overview of this module and introduce its main themes.
Additional study resources in this unit
The table below shows what additional resources you will need for study in each section of this unit, alongside the online materials.
|
Section |
Materials |
|
1.1 B867 Workplace
learning with coaching and mentoring |
Online
interactive activity and audio |
|
1.2
Practice-based learning |
No
additional resources |
|
1.3
Reflective learning |
Activity
1.1: Printed Reader (also available online) and video |
|
1.4 Using
reflective practice to support your own learning |
Online templates (downloadable) Activity 1.2: Tutor group forum |
