Training

From BlueOxen

"Training" presumes a power relationship between those with the knowledge (the trainers or teachers) and those desiring it (the trainees or students). "Training" is associated with top-down learning, where the trainer transfers his or her knowledge to the trainees.

The reality is that those who teach -- even in a top-down manner -- generally learn something from the process as well. That learning is generally the result of a synthesis process -- either individual or group. Sometimes, it's the result of knowledge being transferred from the student to the teacher.

When is top-down training most effective?

• When there's a real knowledge gap between trainers and trainees. (I.e. The trainers are on the Cutting-Edge; the trainees are on the Trailing-Edge.)

Avoid Training is a half-facetious learning philosophy that helps frame when and why training is valuable (and when and why it's not).