ADL Training Evaluation Team

1901 N. Beauregard Street
Suite 600
Alexandria, Virginia 22311

Understanding the Effects of Time to Train on Learning

This research examined the effect of time to train on learning and the role of goal orientation dimensions in understanding differences in time to train in an online, occupational training program. Although trainees varied greatly in the amount of time spent in training (lengths varied from 21 to 72 days), time spent in training did not significantly predict learning (ß = -.14). In predicting time to train, trainees with a high performance-avoid goal orientation tended to take longer to complete training than trainees with a low performance-avoid goal orientation (ß = .24). Additionally, there was a significant interaction between mastery and performance-avoid goal orientations (ß = -.32), such that trainees with low mastery and performance-avoid goal orientations completed training significantly faster than trainees who were high on one or both of these dimensions. Implications for training practice and research are discussed.

Paper currently under review at Learning and Individual Differences.