What should be considered when trying to engineer transfer into training programs?

When considering what should be taken into account when engineering transfer into training programs, focusing on whether significant learning took place during training is key. This aspect is crucial because it directly impacts the ability of participants to apply the skills and knowledge acquired in the training environment to their actual work settings. If participants do not grasp the material effectively, they are less likely to implement what they learned, leading to poor transfer.

Assessing significant learning involves ensuring that the content is relevant to the participants' roles and that the training methods effectively engage them. Techniques such as practical exercises, real-world simulations, and assessments that measure understanding help determine if learning has occurred. Additionally, this focus helps trainers adjust their programs to promote greater retention and application of skills in the workplace.

While pre-training needs assessments and post-training feedback are also valuable aspects of training transfer, they primarily serve as tools to prepare for and evaluate the training, rather than directly reflecting the immediate effectiveness of the training itself. Cost considerations are important for overall training budget management, but they do not directly influence the success of transfer unless they impact the quality of the training delivered. Thus, the emphasis on significant learning aligns most directly with the goal of ensuring effective transfer of training to job performance.