Structure + Process = Impact

Every initiative or solution is concerned about impact in the long run and learning is not left out. In fact the quest for learning impact has increased in recent times. Gone  are the days when you think that all that matters are the evaluation or (happy) sheets after a training event. "Impact" is the reigning buzz word in learning.

While I completely agree with the need for impact, we seem to always forget that impact can only come when there is a proper structure and we follow through on the process. The mere fact that structure and process are often ignored account for the lack of evidence in trainings or learning impact. 

Let us look at the very simple approach to learning: Need assessment - Design - Development - Implementation - Evaluation. When we fail to establish a proper structure for learning , we hardly will see the impact of what we have done. The same for process; truth be told, in process lies the key to impact. At each point in the learning process, you are forced to consider the "Why" factor and the why or reason for doing a thing is the answer to impact. If we do not establish what is really needed in learning, how do we know when there is a positive change? How do we track and see why we are not making as much impact. 

Mind you having a clear structure and process do not exclude us from thinking outside the box as some schools of thought always assume. Many think that  structure and process bring rigidity. I'm sure we all want to see structure and process in the bank where we keep our money or in the schools we enrol our children.

The first step in determining impact of our learning initiatives is to consider our structure and process. There lies the answer to behavioural change, the results we desire and the impact or return on investment we crave for.

Bayo| bayus007@yahoo.com|www.learningclub7.blogspot.nl