Do You Understand?
Watch how this method is used
Organisational Learning Method – Checking for Understanding
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Checking for understanding is what employers, team leaders and supervisors do at work to ensure learning has taken place. It provides a means for knowing the progress of the staff who has taken on a new role or function. It also serves to promote clarity and deeper understanding. However, it needs to be done at the appropriate time and with the right questions asked for it to be a learning process that is fruitful and constructive.
The following video clips will demonstrate the negative and positive examples of checking for understanding by an office supervisor.
- Identify a work process or area for checking for understanding.
- Ask employee open-ended questions to allow room for discussion or clarification.
- Give more positive feedback so employee would feel safe to clarify doubts.
- Give objective, specific and forward-moving type of feedback on areas for improvement.
- Provide a supportive environment for employees to learn and grow.
- Organisation / management
- Promote an open learning culture by providing opportunities for employees to learn and grow.
- Empower supervisors to give clear goals and guidance to employees, motivating them to build a learning and forward moving workforce.
- Workplace ‘trainer’
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Be nurturing and approachable.
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Ensure employees feel well-supported and safe in asking for help.
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Provide constructive feedback and effective follow up.
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- Workplace ‘learner’
- Ask specific questions on areas of concern even if it may sound `silly’.
- Ask what can be done and what to avoid, ask for examples when unclear.
- Take notes to help remember the guidance provided.