SHRM Learning & Development 2 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: Which instructional design model, widely used in corporate L&D, follows the phases of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation?
- BLOOM
- ADDIE (Correct answer)
- GAGNE
- KOLB
Correct answer: ADDIE
The ADDIE model is the most widely used instructional design framework in corporate training, providing a systematic process for creating effective learning programs.
Question 2: What is the key distinction between 'training' and 'development' in HR practice?
- Training is for executives; development is for entry-level employees
- Training focuses on current job skills; development focuses on future roles and career growth (Correct answer)
- Training is mandatory; development is always voluntary
- Training is conducted internally; development requires external vendors
Correct answer: Training focuses on current job skills; development focuses on future roles and career growth
Training is designed to improve performance in an employee's current role, while development prepares employees for future responsibilities and longer-term career advancement.
Question 3: What does 'transfer of training' refer to in learning and development?
- Moving training responsibilities from the HR department to line managers
- Sharing training materials and curricula across different departments
- The degree to which employees apply learned knowledge and skills back on the job (Correct answer)
- Transferring employees to new roles after they complete a training program
Correct answer: The degree to which employees apply learned knowledge and skills back on the job
Transfer of training measures how effectively employees apply the knowledge and skills acquired during training to their actual work environment and job tasks.
Question 4: Which learning theory, developed by David Kolb, describes learning as a four-stage experiential cycle?
- VARK Model
- Bloom's Taxonomy
- Experiential Learning Theory (Correct answer)
- Multiple Intelligences Theory
Correct answer: Experiential Learning Theory
Kolb's Experiential Learning Theory describes a four-stage cycle—concrete experience, reflective observation, abstract conceptualization, and active experimentation—as the basis of learning.
Question 5: What is the purpose of running a 'pilot program' before full training deployment?
- To train only senior leaders before rolling out the program company-wide
- To test a training program with a small representative group to identify issues before full implementation (Correct answer)
- To gather competitor intelligence about industry training best practices
- To provide remedial training to underperforming employees before formal rollout
Correct answer: To test a training program with a small representative group to identify issues before full implementation
A pilot program allows the L&D team to test the training with a small sample, gather feedback, and refine the program before investing in full-scale deployment.
Question 6: Which training method is BEST suited for teaching complex, multi-step procedures that employees must execute with precision on the job?
- Case study analysis and group discussion
- Lecture presentations and slideshows
- Job aids and performance support tools (Correct answer)
- Abstract conceptual frameworks and theories
Correct answer: Job aids and performance support tools
Job aids such as checklists, quick reference cards, and decision trees provide real-time step-by-step guidance for complex procedures and directly support on-the-job performance.
Question 7: What is 'spaced repetition' as applied in learning design?
- Scheduling regular breaks between lengthy training sessions to prevent fatigue
- Reviewing training content at strategically increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention (Correct answer)
- Distributing employees evenly across different training cohorts over time
- Spacing out training program budgets across multiple fiscal quarters
Correct answer: Reviewing training content at strategically increasing intervals to enhance long-term retention
Spaced repetition is a cognitive science-based technique where content is reviewed at increasing intervals, leveraging the 'spacing effect' to significantly improve long-term memory retention.
SHRM Learning & Development 2
Which instructional design model, widely used in corporate L&D, follows the phases of Analysis, Design, Development, Implementation, and Evaluation?