Create Knowledge

For the competency “Create Knowledge,” I have selected two papers as artifacts to represent my ability to describe, read, evaluate, and apply research in the discipline. These papers are the “Experiential Learning with 70:20:10 Model” trend analysis and the “Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education” educational improvement project. 

The “Experiential Learning with 70:20:10 Model” trend analysis paper demonstrates my ability to describe common research methods in the discipline. In this analysis, the referenced model used is a common learning and development model to structure how learners can learn effectively. During the development of this paper, I used foundational knowledge from theory to define what influences my practice. In addition, this trend analysis paper required me to compare an existing theory to the 70:20:10 framework, the current approach to my learning and development work. Analyzing this framework helped me understand how it has incorporated many past theories to become a modern experiential learning theory. It also expanded my understanding of its application with technology as some patterns and correlations had linear connections. 

The “Diversity, Equity, and Social Justice in Education (DESJ)” educational improvement plan demonstrates my ability to read and evaluate research related to the discipline and to apply research findings to the solution of common problems in the discipline. During this project, I worked with a small group to explore a current need in education and then designed and implemented a solution for the need. The steps in this process began with a deep reflection on our own experiences, then began researching the needs for DESJ in Education. We surveyed teachers from several states to understand and evaluate the impact DESJ has on education. We also read various scholarly sources to get quantifiable research. Once our small team gained clarity in the gap, we designed a proposal for implementing DESJ in education.          

                   
Before my career in learning and development, I was responsible for technical training for a manufacturing facility. This role required a structured and procedural approach to teaching employees about their jobs. During this time, using the 70:20:10 approach was the quickest method to train employees. As manufacturing began to transform into more digital processes, training also needed to shift. These skills expanded my knowledge of how 70:20:10 can be used with technology and beyond its traditional use because of the connections it has with traditional learning theories – traditional learning theories used with technology today. This developed competency provided me with experience to research deeper and identify patterns and correlations between theories and methodologies to quickly shift my approaches in my work. 

Finally, when reflecting on each of my papers, knowledge continues to be created when I inquire about trends. As our learning practice continues to evolve, my knowledge will continue to evolve as I compare trending theories with traditional theories. Both experiences gave me a holistic view of research and application, from an educational context and a corporate context. This competency can easily be adapted into a habit due to the nature of my work and my desire for continuous improvement.