Predictors of Collateral Learning Transfer in Continuing Vocational Training

Abstract

Against the background of demographic change and skill shortages
 continuing vocational training is of great significance in Germany. However, the
 training effectiveness is mostly assessed only at the end of a training program or
 several months after the training. Since in continuing vocational training the two
 contexts learning field (training) and performance field (work context) act simultaneously,
 the presented study investigated whether there are already situations in
 the work context which allow the application of newly acquired knowledge in
 parallel with the training. The main focus lies in the identification of predictors of
 learning transfer that takes place alongside the training participation and in the
 investigation of their causal relationships. Using structural equation modelling five
 latent variables were identified which have a significant effect on learning transfer
 parallel to the training – the so called collateral learning transfer. These five
 predictors explain together 62% of the variance of collateral learning transfer
 (gathered as performance improvement at work).