Appendix C Factors That Influence Learning and Motivation

DOE-HDBK-1206-98

APPENDIX C

FACTORS THAT INFLUENCE LEARNING AND MOTIVATION

Numerous factors can have a significant influence on a trainee's learning and motivation during

the OJT process. Instructional technologists should consider these factors as they develop OJT

guides. OJT instructors should be familiar with and use these factors to improve their delivery of

training.

Prerequisites--Trainees are more likely to learn something new if they have satisfied all the

prerequisites. Past learning may be the most important factor in determining success or failure

in learning. Completion of prerequisite tasks should be documented by the instructor's

signature(s) on the OJT checklist.

Meaningful--A trainee may be motivated by relating to previous experience, future goals,

interests, and values. Explain to the trainee how this subject relates to the job, his/her previous

experience, and how this increases his/her potential for advancement. The trainee should then

be able to see a direct link between OJT and the job.

Positive Conditions and Consequences--A trainee is more likely to continue learning if the

conditions during instruction are made as pleasant as possible. Instructors should be aware of

and try to minimize any negative conditions to which a trainee may be exposed. The following

negative conditions are often associated with OJT:

Trainees may be bored if the instructor does not tailor the training to the individual

trainee. Teaching material that the trainee already knows, or that is not

meaningful, will contribute to boredom. (Pre-testing and exceptions to training

may minimize this factor.)

Trainees may be frustrated by being given OJT when they have not completed

prerequisite training.

Trainees may be subjected to unpleasant physical conditions. Extreme heat/cold,

radioactive contamination, high noise levels at the job site (exposure to these

conditions may be minimized by the use of a mockup or simulator followed by

limited time at the actual job site), and distractions such as the presence of peers

during OJT may contribute to unpleasant physical conditions.

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