Exploratory training refers to an instructional strategy that allows trainees to explore their learning environment. For example, in exploratory training trainees are encouraged to use trial and error (or whatever strategies they prefer) to explore the training material. In other words, trainees are in the driver’s seat.
Although exploratory training is often thought to improve learning and transfer of training, it is unclear whether it works for all trainees. Past research has shown that some trainees (particularly those low in cognitive ability and motivation) may not benefit from learner-controlled training environments, such as those used in exploratory training.
THE RESEARCH STUDY
Recently, researchers (Keith et al., 2010) compared the efficacy of guided versus exploratory training for trainees who differed in cognitive ability and motivation. Specifically, they investigated two distinct training outcomes: (1) analogical transfer, which means transferring learning to tasks on the job that are similar to those tasks learned in training, and (2) adaptive transfer, which refers to transferring learning to job tasks that differ from those in training.
In general, the researchers found that while guided and exploratory training are equally effective for facilitating analogical transfer, exploratory training is more effective for facilitating adaptive transfer. In other words, exploratory training is an effective strategy for fostering transfer of training to novel tasks, which is often the ultimate goal of organizational training programs.
Importantly, the researchers found that exploratory training was equally beneficial for trainees who were either high or low in cognitive ability. Additionally, exploratory training was effective for trainees regardless of their perceptions of the usefulness of the tasks being trained.
PRACTICAL IMPLICATIONS
This study highlights two important points that are often overlooked: (1) trainees differ on many attributes, such as cognitive ability, and (2) what works for some trainees may not work for others. Nevertheless, trainees that differ in their cognitive ability and motivation appear to benefit equally from exploratory training. These results further contribute to the body of research in support of the exploratory training strategy.
Keith, N., Richter, T., & Naumann, J. (2010). Active/Exploratory training promotes transfer even in learners low motivation and cognitive ability. Applied Psychology: An International Review, 59(1), 97-123.
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