Evolution of the Training Profession

By David Obiora
  • 2000 BCE

    Stone Age

    Stone Age
    Training has been around since the Stone Age. It’s not likely that train-the-trainer seminars existed in 2000 b.c. Yet without some natural way to transfer skills and knowledge, (a matter of trial-and-error), people would never have progressed from the first wheel on a muddy road to the computer chips that guide our exploration of outer space.
  • 1800 BCE

    Apprenticeships

    Apprenticeships
    The first documented training occurred in the 18th century, when artisans and craftsmen formed apprenticeships that utilized a demonstration-practice-feedback-practice-again process.

  • ASTD

    ASTD
    It wasn’t until 1944 that training was organized under one banner, The American Society for Training Directors. The association later changed its name to The American Society for Training and Development (ASTD)..

  • Group Training

    Group Training
    The cultural shift toward more formal training really began in the 1950s. Based on organizational needs

  • Andragogy

    Andragogy
    In the 1960s, Malcolm Knowles advanced the idea of andragogy, a learning theory for adults, distinct from pedagogy for children. This tipped the scale toward a more learner-centered approach as opposed to a content-centered approach.

  • 1962- "Preparing objectives for progran Instruction

    1962- "Preparing objectives for progran Instruction
    Pater Mager introduced a new approach to instructional design which involved establishing objectives

  • Case Study

    Case Study
    Emerged in the 70's. It prepares the trainer to deal with unexpected findings and indeed requires him to reorient his study in the light of such development. Case study provides for the most part, provides some facts to guide in training because of its variety of sources of information/data.

  • Assertiveness Training

    Assertiveness Training
    Became popular in the early 80's. Back in the 1980s, assertiveness training was a big thing. It was all about teaching people to deal purposefully, but not unpleasantly, with tricky social, family, and business situations.

  • Criterion Referenced Instruction

    Criterion Referenced Instruction
    Perter Mager and Peter Pipe developed a CRI for designing and delivery of training Programs, (see image for goals).

  • Instructional design method

    Instructional design method
    The 1990s; reinforced the critical role trainers played in helping organizations achieve their business goals. The importance of aligning the four requirements of the organization when budgeting for training: business, performance, learning, and environmental needs.

  • Training through Technology to present

    Training through Technology to present
    This training techniques brings about collaboration and narrowing the gaps in organizational needs.