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World War II: Systematic Training
During the WWII, there was an increased demand for skilled workers. The military applied a systems approach to learning design to train the unskilled workforce which saves the money while having them work systematically. The 'show-tell-do-check' training method developed by Charles R. Allen was used often. The J-program, management training, the JIT (Job Instructor Program) and foundation of ISD was designed to help the evolution of the training profession (Estep, 2008, pp 14-15). -
The 1940s: ASTD formed
In 1942, the American Society of Training Directors (ASTD) formed during a meeting of the American Petroleum Institute in New Orleans, Louisiana. The development of leadership in the training function determined the need for management development programs (Estep, 2008, p. 16). -
The 1950s: Individualized and Programmed Instruction
Major development of Instructional System Design (ISD) occurred. The Bloom's taxonomy, B.F. Skinner's behaviorism motivation theory, Kirkpatrick's four levels of evaluation, and the human relations training was introduced. Individualized instruction replaced the teacher with systematic or programmed materials, which divide the instruction into smaller easily comprehended steps and tasks (Estep, 2008, pp 16-18). -
The 1960s: Computer-Based Training
Individualized instructions were automated using teaching machines. The training profession adopted the OD (Organizational Development), a value-based approach to systems change in organizations and communities. The systematic, systemic, and result-based approach was used in training. Robert R. Mager developed an archetype for the development of instructional objectives for programmed instruction. John Piaget created a model of cognitive development with four stages. (Estep, 2008, pp 18-21). -
The 1970s: Sociotechnical Systems Theory
Development of Sociotechnical systems theory. The sensitivity training and laboratory method became popular training topic. In 1973, Malcolm Knowles published The adult learner: A neglected species on andragogy. In 1974, Robert Gagne presented the nine events of instruction. Piaget's constructivism theories formed the foundation for the development of the learning theory (Estep, 2008, pp 23-24). -
The 1980s: Assertiveness Training
Many companies was downsizing during the period of slowed productivity. The cost-benefit analysis, the concept of ROI (Return on Investment), assertiveness training, behavior modeling, teamwork empowerment, diversity, corporate culture, and trainers' competencies became popular topic in training profession. The electronic workstations and laptops became available and large numbers of women entered the workforce (Estep, 2008, pp24-26). -
The 1990s: Blended Learning
The blended learning (a combination of e-learning with active classroom sessions) became popular, because e-learning provides flexibility while minimizing the cost, and classroom learning provides interactivity necessary for interpersonal skills training. With the globalization of workplace environments, organizations were trying to find the best ways to educate multicultural and multi-generational employees. Robert Reich established the office of work-based learning (Estep, 2008, pp 26-28). -
The 2000s: Web 2.0
While behaviorism continues to have a strong influence on learning, a new model of instructional design has evolved, including measurement in the field of training and development, just-in-time learning, and m(mobile)-learning. With the introduction of Web 2.0 technologies, the learners can find the knowledge they need when they need them. It also allowed learners to correct, manage, share and collaborate with others effectively (Estep, 2008, pp28-30).
