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15,000 BCE
Training Starts with Humankind
"Learning is as critical to human life as breathing" (Estep, 2008, p. 10). Training started with the beginning of humankind. Image retrieved through Baptist Bible Graphics (2013) -
12,000 BCE
Training and the Advent of Agriculture
Antiquity through pre-1800s, the training profession was developed through the discovery of agriculture by human civilization. On-the-job training is recorded as the earliest training delivery method. Apprenticeships and guilds began to take form during the Middle Ages and the Renaissance periods when jobs started to become a little more complex (Estep, 2008). Image retrieved through Nepali, N.D. (2014, January 28) -
Factory Schools: The Classroom
The Industrial Revolution (early 1700s to mid-1800s) brought the creation of factory schools. In 1872, Hoe and Company of New York established the first documented factory school to train machinists. Vestibule training, also referred to as "near-the-job" training, combined the benefits of classroom training with that of on-the-job instruction (Estep, 2008). It was popular through WWI and WWII. Image retrieved through ThingLink (n.d.) -
Show, Tell, Do, and Check Method
Charles R. Allen's leads the training for 50,000 shipyard workers using the Herbartian steps of the "Show, Tell, Do, and Check" method (Estep, 2008). Image retrieved through Wikimedia Commons (2006, November 21) -
Systematic and Just-in-Time (JIT) Training
During World War II (September 1, 1939 – September 2, 1945), began these training delivery methods were developed to train workers faster and more thoroughly. The Training Within Industry Service of the War Manpower Commission developed the first train-the-trainer programs, which was meant to teach people in leadership how to teach their skills to other workers. Image retrieved through Women of World War II (2016) -
American Society for Training Directors (ASTD)
This non-profit organization was created to help its members around the world develop the knowledge and skills of their employees. ASTD was formed at a meeting for the American Petroleum Institute in New Orleans, LA. Image retrieved through Martinc (2013, February 13) -
Training Profession in the 1950s
Through the 1950s, human relations and psychology training gained popularity. In 1953, B.F. Skinner's book, Science and Human Behavior, leads to a more cost-effective and efficient training method termed individualized training (Estep, 2008). In 1956, Benjamin Bloom presented his classification of learning objectives, known as Bloom's Taxonomy. In 1959, ASTD publishes Donald Kirkpatrick's articles about four levels of evaluation. Image retrieved through Student at the Center - Online (n.d.) -
The 1960s and the Introduction of Measurement
As the desire to understand running a profitable business grew, the ASTD helped by introducing measurement into the field. In 1964, the ASTD also changed its name to the American Society for Training and Development to reflect this broader focus (Estep, 2008). With an emphasis on business results, another field emerged known as human performance improvement or technology (HPI or HPT). Jean Piaget creates the model of cognitive development to focus on the areas of learning and design. -
MacDonald's Hamburger University
In 1961, the McDonald's corporation founded the first corporate university (McDonalds, 2016). The first class of 15 students graduated from Hamburger University on February 24, 1961. Since 1961, over 80,000 managers and operators have graduated from this facility. Today, more than 7,500 students attend annually attend the University. Image retrieved through Wikimedia Commons (2014, August 10). -
The 1970s: Sociotechnical-Systems Theory
This theory looks at the interaction between social and technical factors and their impact, positive or negative, on an organization to achieve peak performance.Sensitivity training also grew in popularity in the 1970s. Still, the case method, which involved the exploration of a topic through case studies, was the new form of training that drew the most attention. Image retrieved through University of Leeds (2016). -
The 1980s: Malcolm Knowles and Adult Learning Theories
In April of 1973, Malcolm Knowles published The Adult Learner: A Neglected Species, introducing the adult learning theory. Knowles, considered the father of adult learning, made numerous contributions to the practice of human resources development. His theories would continue to gain prominence throughout the 1980s. Image retrieved through Pixabay (2014, August 13) -
Howard Gardner: Multiple Intelligences Theory (1983)
Gardner challenged the idea of a single IQ theory by revolutionizing our understanding of intelligence. Image retrieved through Edutopia (2015, April 9) -
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The 1990s to Present: The Advancement of Technology
In the 1990s, technological advances paved the way for e-learning, as well as computer and web-based training. Today, mobile learning is growing in popularity. Learning has and continues to evolve in many directions.
