kaliko, what is WLP?

Interesting comments about JIT (and JIT!). If JIT is really reduced to the "four step process", then, yes, I see lots of use. I guess my understanding was limited to the version used in the '40s, which I could not easily relate to the teaching of more complex subjects (e.g. programming in java). I have read the official manual.

I am a proponent of just-in-time (the "other" JIT). I wish its use were more common...
--john

Hi Lundbird,

WLP is ASTD's lingo - Workplace Learning Professional.

Just for my own clarification - JIT in the strict sense is as you said, the WWII OJT methodology. Do you draw a distinction between present day structured OJT and the JIT of WWII?

In any case, I agree with you that JIT (basically structured OJT to me) is one of the most efficient and effective forms of training that exists. The sad thing is that so few training folks even know what it is. Every time I go to ASTD events, whether national or local, I meet people who ask me, "What is OJT?" You might as well forget trying to explain "structured" OJT. Amazing!

Regarding training Chinese. I live in Malaysia. The population is a mix of Chinese, Malays & Indians. Perhaps the Chinese are not indicitive of those in China, but I find training all three ethnic cultures here not to be different. I find Asians here are generally quiet, respectful, fearful of embarrassment. They are sporting to take part in activities. They are good at implementing what you want them to learn. They are fast learners. If you want them to change something or come up with their own ideas, then that's another problem. It's likely due to the education system that is based on rote learning. You will get little chanlleges from the learners in the classroom.

I train in Afghanistan and it's completely the opposite. They are competitive, individually focused. Every man/woman for themselves. They will attack each others' ideas, often impolitely. Yet they will come up with lots of good ideas, fresh ideas, & opinions. I like training in both environments, but the Malaysian one is easier as it's more harmonious.

"There are often big difference between cultures. It's a good idea to have someone who knows each culture so you don't make any big gaffs."

or as Irishman Oscar Wilde says of England & US " Two nations divided by one language.......but that was 100 years ago.

It is the age of communication and travel. I say cultural awareness but also individual awareness.....culture is about hundreds of people not individuals. encourage cultural exchange and value diversity.

Also consider bariers to learning......try learning another language and think how heavy it is too listen and/or work/learn all day in a language which is not your mother tongue.

Stari ribar