Section 4

Chapter 14 discusses the concept and evolution of human performance improvement. Several sections of chapter 14 present a variety of non-instructional solutions to performance problems. Identify a performance problem in your area of work and identify non-instructional solutions that may help solve the problem.

I think this is about business after I first saw this question. But after I read this chapter, I realized that human performance is important in all the departments that are formed of people. Also the concerns of senior executives about improving human performance are well founded, in light of driving forces that have created a shortage of the right people in the right places with the right skills at the right time. It seems that there are some mistakes that the leaders may make: They may view human performance solutions as a sort of “art” and then actions that are subjective, with no assurance that the effects of their actions can be measured or even detected; they may take actions that are only point solutions, which lack the power to penetrate throughout the entire human performance system; they may take actions that have a positive effect at one place in the system but unintended negative consequences elsewhere in the system. And I agree with the book that people work in a complex, adaptive system—like the human body—and no part of it can be understood, or fully optimized, without reference to all other parts. I did not find such non-instructional solutions for it, but from all I learned and I have been in my life I will say that like we have all tutors in our mathlab, and we are not all-rounded. We can put two different kinds of tutors in one time sheet and they are complementary, which is the best way to solve the problems that will happen in the lab.

Chapter 15 presents performance support systems. Define performance support systems and explain how a performance support system might (or might not) help solve the problem you identified above.

What is performance support system? The integration of different tools to help the user perform a task is the key feature of performance support systems and is part of most definitions. Laffey (1994) defined performance support systems as "systems [that] are built to integrate resources and tools and to facilitate working on complex tasks" (p. 1). Raybould (1990b) also includes the concept of integration in his definition: "An electronic Performance Support System (PSS) is a computer-based system that improves worker productivity by providing on-the-job access to integrated information, advice and learning experiences"(p. 4). McGraw (1994) defines a PSS as "an integrated tool suite that supports the user of a complex system by providing embedded assistance within the system itself" (p. 1). In summary, a PSS is a system that provides the user with information, guidance, and learning experiences where ever and whenever a user needs it. (Performance Support Systems for Education and Training: Could this be the next generation? Stephen Desrosiers, University of Hoston-Clear Lake, Georgia State University.)

I guess, from the definition above, I can find a way to solve the problem. Since we can provide all us skilled part in the math and put all information together, then follow the guidance which is what I think about that combine two of us whose knowledge are complementary. And after apply for a while, we will see the advanced part and insufficient part of it, then improve this design. I think I will make sense if we would like to try.

Chapter 16 explains knowledge management: the way we manage information, share that information, and use it to solve organization problems. Organizations, such as schools, accumulate a great deal information/data, which must be organized in a way that we can make sense of it in order to use for making decisions. What knowledge would help solve the problem you identified above and how would that knowledge need to be collected and managed to help facilitate problem solving?

Knowledge management comprises a range of strategies and practices and used in an organization to identify, create, represent, distribute, and enable adoption of insights and experiences. Such insights and experiences comprise knowledge, either embodies in individuals or embedded in organizations as processes or practices.

As I learned, knowledge is the foundation of all we can do. So I agree that we should manage information, share that information and use it to solve organization problems. But I also notice that knowledge is relatively difference to different people, so I realize the importance of collecting information. As what I said before, I prefer to find two tutors who have complementary knowledge.

Chapter 17 describes types of informal learning. What informal learning experiences have you participated in at your organization? Could those informal learning experiences be shared with others? Could the knowledge gained in those settings be codified and managed? And should it be managed or should the informal experiences be replicated or broadened to include others?

Informal learning is one of three forms of learning defined by the organization for economic co-operation and development. The other two are formal and non-formal learning. Informal learning occurs in a variety of places, such as at home, work, and through daily interactions and shared relationships among members of society. For many learners this includes language acquisition, cultural norms and manners. Informal learning for young people is an ongoing process that also occurs in a variety of places, such as out of school time, in youth programs at community centers and media labs.

I did not experience any of this informal learning, but I am really hoping that I could try it once. Actually, I heard that there are children in kindergarten in China are being abused by teachers. I was shocked at first time and then ashamed, finally desperate. I cannot image that my child in a kindergarten where should be a paradise for children is not even safety. I wish I could teach my children myself, but then I realize that children need to be with friends, I cannot deprive their right that choosing study and play with friends or stay at home study with me or internet. I believe that this is a ubiquitous problem in China, we cannot afford that our children in a unsafe environment, we cannot take care them while both mother and father have to make a living. Even though we have internet and other media to instruct knowledge nowadays, we still face this problem in China. For me, I truly hope that one day our children could have a better future, but at first I hope they can grow up safely.