A three dimensional view and research agenda for the study of transfer of skills gained from formal end-user software training

TLDR: The replication of the proposed research design in different software training settings, organizations and work contexts hold a promise for improving software training design, and bringing a compatible solution to all the stakeholders of software training.

Abstract: Software training research indicates that some end-users do not subsequently transfer learned skills to their jobs. Yet, money, time and effort continue to be invested in formal software training. The three dimensional view presented in this article demonstrates that although the reasons for non-transfer are sometimes caused by trainee characteristics, software features, training approaches, the social context of work, and by the interaction between the four, training research generally focuses only on trainee characteristics and training approaches. We identify goal matching as a method that can ensure that trainees are getting what they need from the training process. Using goal matching and more directed training sessions should enhance the ability of software trainers to account for more transfer of learning to the work place.We propose a research program that can be used to explore the parameters of goal matching with respect to software training. We describe in detail a critical study in this program, and also discuss the need for replications such as an embedded multiple unit study that goes beyond the individual and includes the work group, department, or entire organization as the unit of analysis. We conclude that the replication of our proposed research design in different software training settings, organizations and work contexts hold a promise for improving software training design, and bringing a compatible solution to all the stakeholders of software training.