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Organisational Learning Method – Sequencing of Tasks

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The way tasks are ordered (sequenced) provides a natural structure for learning at the workplace. It helps the learner to execute a series of tasks related to a job role in a systematic way, and to acquire skills and knowledge in an appropriate manner. For example, a new employee typically starts out in a hairdressing salon with washing the customer’s hair. This task eases the employee into the work in a relatively safe manner, while allowing him or her to focus on skills like making small talk and handling of hair. After the employee is ascertained to have a good grasp of this initial task, he/she is then allowed to move on to cutting of men’s hair, then women’s hair, then finally administering treatments like perms and dyes and so on.l

Use the way tasks are sequenced in the workplace to gradually introduce the participant to more complex work and greater responsibility. This will not only provide assurance of consistency in task execution, but also help experienced employees to provide a systematic acquisition of skills and knowledge related to work-related tasks.

  1. Identify a work activity (comprising a series of tasks) that the employee is expected to perform.
  2. Identify the competencies required for completing the work activity.
  3. Break up the work activity into component tasks.
  4. Explain sequence of tasks and explain rationale.
  5. Allocate time and schedule for learner to practise and perform the tasks, starting with simpler ones.
  6. Assess employee’s performance for each task and provide feedback to close any performance gaps.
  7. Assess employee’s performance in completing the entire work activity and provide specific feedback to close any performance gaps.

  1. Organisation / management
    • Ensure new employees are paired up with experienced workers.
    • Provide enough tools / resources for ‘workplace trainers’ where needed.
  2. Workplace ‘trainer’

    • Ensure that the competencies are determined correctly..

    • Ensure that tasks are sequenced from simple to complex so that employee is not intimidated or overwhelmed by the performance requirements.

  3. Workplace ‘learner’
    • Ask questions if you don’t understand what is happening
    • Take down notes / photos / videos to help you remember the next time you have to do it (Don’t tell yourself “I’ll remember”, because you won’t J)