Wednesday
Sep202006
403 - Tougher Certifications, Please; Learning in Vietnam; Fun at Learning 2006
September 20, 2006
Learning TRENDS by Elliott Masie - September 20, 2006.
#403 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,889 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.
Over 1,214 Global Learning Leaders Registered Already!
1. Tougher Assessments & Certification, Please!
2. Learning in Vietnam.
3. Bowfire and Loretta LaRoche: Fun at Learning 2006!
1. Tougher Assessments & Certification, Please!: This is a "mini-rant"
from Elliott. I am quite concerned about assessments and certifications that are too easy! We have been tracking the rise of certifications that are really just "Certificates of Sitting". And, some corporate assessments are starting to feel like "Everyone Gets a Trophy"
exercises.
I am a big fan of AUTHENTIC certification that is and feels significant.
The learner who gets the certification and future managers who evaluate the credential should have significant confidence in the credential.
Assessment should be challenging and motivating to learners.
Recently, I interviewed a candidate who had 2 certifications on her resume. Each had been earned by sitting in hotel rooms at conferences for a few hours. One-hundred percent of those that paid the fee got the certification and the quiz at the end of the day was an easy short-term recall activity. She didn't have the skills or knowledge that the certification implied, yet she had the pieces of paper and resume notations.
As we move toward more informal learning, the need for authentic assessment is more important than ever. As we move toward competency management, credible certification is even more important.
In the age of increasing compliance, it is tempting to make our assessments quick and easy. But, let's make sure that the overall brand of Certifications is authentic. Ideally, most Certifications should require learners to do real work in real situations and get significant feedback in the process.
In the future, when I interview a learning designer or a financial services advisor, I want to trust their certifications. I hope that some have failed on their way to passing. And, I hope that learners really value the designation...more than just attending a pre-conference session at a trade show.
2. Learning in Vietnam: At the beginning of December, Learning TRENDS hits the road. We are heading to Vietnam to do an exploration of their learning efforts. There are a number of global corporate learning centers in Vietnam, including Nike (which we will visit). In addition, we will be interviewing education and learning leaders in Vietnam. If you are a TRENDS reader from that region, send me a message to emasie@masie.com
2. Bowfire and Loretta LaRoche: Fun at Learning 2006! We are pleased to announce two fun elements at Learning 2006 (November 5 to 8, Orlando):
* Loretta LaRoche - "LIFE IS SHORT - WEAR YOUR PARTY PANTS": We believe in laughter and fun as well as serious learning. Come see Loretta LaRoche, star of PBS, take on the funny and serious issue of Life Balance. Loretta is one of the funniest and most profound presenters around and will be our headliner at the Monday afternoon General Session!
* BOWFIRE!: The finest lineup of classically trained fiddle and violin virtuosos from around the world ever assembled on one stage. Bowfire takes its audiences on a high-energy musical journey that moves seamlessly through Jazz, Classical, Bluegrass, Celtic, Rock, Gypsy, World, Texas Swing and Ottawa Valley and Cape Breton styles and mixes in incredible step and tap dancing in a "Riverdance" type experience.
Bowfire performs at Tuesday night's Learning 2006 Celebration.
Check out their video and information at:
http://www.learning2006.com/fun/
#403 - Updates on Learning, Business & Technology.
52,889 Readers - http://www.masie.com - The MASIE Center.
Learning 2006 - Nov 5-8 - Orlando - www.learning2006.com.
Over 1,214 Global Learning Leaders Registered Already!
1. Tougher Assessments & Certification, Please!
2. Learning in Vietnam.
3. Bowfire and Loretta LaRoche: Fun at Learning 2006!
1. Tougher Assessments & Certification, Please!: This is a "mini-rant"
from Elliott. I am quite concerned about assessments and certifications that are too easy! We have been tracking the rise of certifications that are really just "Certificates of Sitting". And, some corporate assessments are starting to feel like "Everyone Gets a Trophy"
exercises.
I am a big fan of AUTHENTIC certification that is and feels significant.
The learner who gets the certification and future managers who evaluate the credential should have significant confidence in the credential.
Assessment should be challenging and motivating to learners.
Recently, I interviewed a candidate who had 2 certifications on her resume. Each had been earned by sitting in hotel rooms at conferences for a few hours. One-hundred percent of those that paid the fee got the certification and the quiz at the end of the day was an easy short-term recall activity. She didn't have the skills or knowledge that the certification implied, yet she had the pieces of paper and resume notations.
As we move toward more informal learning, the need for authentic assessment is more important than ever. As we move toward competency management, credible certification is even more important.
In the age of increasing compliance, it is tempting to make our assessments quick and easy. But, let's make sure that the overall brand of Certifications is authentic. Ideally, most Certifications should require learners to do real work in real situations and get significant feedback in the process.
In the future, when I interview a learning designer or a financial services advisor, I want to trust their certifications. I hope that some have failed on their way to passing. And, I hope that learners really value the designation...more than just attending a pre-conference session at a trade show.
2. Learning in Vietnam: At the beginning of December, Learning TRENDS hits the road. We are heading to Vietnam to do an exploration of their learning efforts. There are a number of global corporate learning centers in Vietnam, including Nike (which we will visit). In addition, we will be interviewing education and learning leaders in Vietnam. If you are a TRENDS reader from that region, send me a message to emasie@masie.com
2. Bowfire and Loretta LaRoche: Fun at Learning 2006! We are pleased to announce two fun elements at Learning 2006 (November 5 to 8, Orlando):
* Loretta LaRoche - "LIFE IS SHORT - WEAR YOUR PARTY PANTS": We believe in laughter and fun as well as serious learning. Come see Loretta LaRoche, star of PBS, take on the funny and serious issue of Life Balance. Loretta is one of the funniest and most profound presenters around and will be our headliner at the Monday afternoon General Session!
* BOWFIRE!: The finest lineup of classically trained fiddle and violin virtuosos from around the world ever assembled on one stage. Bowfire takes its audiences on a high-energy musical journey that moves seamlessly through Jazz, Classical, Bluegrass, Celtic, Rock, Gypsy, World, Texas Swing and Ottawa Valley and Cape Breton styles and mixes in incredible step and tap dancing in a "Riverdance" type experience.
Bowfire performs at Tuesday night's Learning 2006 Celebration.
Check out their video and information at:
http://www.learning2006.com/fun/
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