The Pitfalls of Training Vs Learning

Training generally emphasizes repetitive learning. Thisengaged through abstract thought, problem solving,
is the "repeat after me" mentality with the teacherforward planning and creativity.
as the center of power and the learner as passivelyThe limbic system is involved in bonding and
obedient. There has been little effort to create,emotions. It is the social and emotional brain. This is
problem solve, or think on our own. As a rule, wethe part of the brain that contains our long-term
remember about 50% the next day, 25% of it in 2memory. It allows us to feel, to remember and to
days and 2% in approximately 2 ½ weeks.interact with other people. Emotions have profound
Fortunately, there has been more brain research ineffect on the quality and quantity of learning. By
the last 25 years than in all of human historyencouraging positive feelings, the speed of learning is
combined. The triune brain theory has gained a lot ofincreased. When relationship building in visioning and
popularity. It says that we have 3 separate butgoal setting is encouraged, our dreams are
interconnected areas of specialization. Those 3 areasemotionalized by assisting people to tap into the
are the neo-cortex, the limbic system and thefeelings involved with attitudes.
reptilian brain. When we use them all together forThe reptilian brain is involved with survival. It governs
learning we get the mix of the three providing forour automatic functions like heartbeat and our
optimization of our learning ability.circulatory systems. It survives and reacts. We get
It is important to recognize the importance ofsome obedience to precedence and routine while
engaging all three areas of the brain. We want toengaging our survival instincts and automatic
involve the whole mind and the body while engagingfunctions. This is where repetitive learning comes in.
our emotions, senses and receptors to integrate theBy incorporating spaced repetition into learning, we
development of new knowledge and skill into ourallow for engagement of the reptilian brain. We have
existing knowledge.found that when people hear something repeated
The neo-cortex is the brain cap - the gray matterover consecutive days for a short period of time,
that is 80 to 85 percent of our brain mass. It handlesthey generally retain over 60% of it for 15 years to
functions like language, abstract thought, problemlife.
solving, forward planning, fine movement andWith all this in mind, are there better methods that
creativity. It is what makes us unique. Teachingcan be used for your organization to get a return on
learners to move, think, talk, imagine and createtheir training and development investment? How can
meaning for themselves optimizes learning and humanyou engage the whole mind and body of your
performance. While visioning and goal setting on apeople?
personal and professional level, the neo-cortex is