The Neuroscience of Learning Measurement©:
Measuring for Peak Performance
1. The Neurology:
The BRAIN is made up of literally millions and millions of cells called NEURONS.
These are the basic neurotransmitters within the brain, processing information and playing critical roles in memory and LEARNING.
When we think, recall, put things together and learn these dendrites contact each other through a connection called the AXON.
The AXON is a critical component for the memory and learning phases of our thinking (cognitive) processes.
Clusters of dendrites, connected by axons, form what we term memories and these activate or ‘spark up’ and retrieve information from these clusters.
With learning these clusters seek out connections which are MEANINGFUL to the task or need.
The AXONS play an important role here because the number of axon segments
contained within the overall axon (looks like peas in a pod) is critical to determining the relationship between them. These segments represent the barriers or passage ways between dendrites and throughout the brain.
The axon segments carry the critical/important connections between the information carrying dendrites.
This is the basis of CRITICAL INCIDENTS LEARNING THEORY and the major construct underlying RAIT and the Learning Indexes(LI’s) it produces.
2. An Organisation Application:
The RAIT© learning measurement system was developed by Dr Stanley Rodski to use this theory in an applied organisation setting.
This applied research identified and narrowed down 40 critical incidents which would have an “optimising” effect on learning.
Efficiency Factors:
20 of these critical incident factors are referred to as efficiency factors or perhaps more popularly known as ‘hygiene’ factors, i.e. the training room facilities, heating, cooling, amenities, etc.
Effectiveness Factors:
The remaining 20 factors are grouped into what we call the effectiveness group.
These factors are tied to the very important role of the facilitator, their style, ability, empathy, etc.
All 40 factors then represent a statistically significant grouping of critical events that effect LEARNING.
Green Forms and Red Forms:
Green Forms:
It is unlikely for the AXON to carry 40 critical events because it goes through a priority system of its own. The brain (you) has a specific set of needs which will determine which information gets in. Otherwise there would be too much information and any brain would simply close down.
The GREEN form then establishes your priorities coming into the training and identifies the nature and quantity of critical incidents applicable to you the participant.
Red forms:
Similarly, at the conclusion of the training, RAIT© uses a RED form to establish a performance mark as perceived by the participant.
This perception of the strengths and weaknesses of the 40 critical components is matched against the priorities of the individual. The graph below shows the initial IMPACT of the training based on an analysis of the GREEN and RED sheets from an efficiency and effectiveness basis.
RAIT© applies the critical components against the performance data to derive three (3) key metrics:
- Learning Index (LI%)
- Retention Index (RI%)
- Structured Reinforcement Index (SRI%)/ Coaching
The Retention and Coaching Indexes enable measurement of the likely retention of the learning at 6 months (post program). The Coaching Index identifies and quantifies those requiring further learning and the potential return from this investment.
To see an example please send us an email.
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