THE BASIC SKILLS MISMATCH

February 23, 2015

Estimates tell us that up to 70 million Americans cannot even read at a level that would allow them to function fully in the workplace!

And, reading is not the only basic skill workers are lacking. Millions cannot perform the simple mathematical problems now required in their jobs.

On the other side of this equation lies the share of U.S. manufacturing establishments requiring basic reading, writing, math, and computer skills in core production jobs:

Basic reading skills (ability to read basic manuals)
75.6%

Basic writing skills (ability to write short notes)
60.5%

Basic math skills (ability to add, subtract, multiply, divide, and handle fractions)
74.0%

Basic reading, writing, and math skills
42.4%

Computer skills (required to use a computer at least several times a week)
62.3%

(Source: MIT’s Production in the Innovation Economy (PIE) Manufacturing Survey (2012–2013)

How did we reach this crisis? The reasons are many and varied: a high school dropout rate of almost 35%; an education system that fails to adapt to modern learning culture needs; and, a large influx of immigrants who have not yet learned sufficient English to fully function — to name but a few.

While there are a plethora of ways to address this problem, a major solution is readily available for those tasked with training adults in corporate settings.

I’m talking about multi-sensory learning (full motion video, animations, simulations) — learning that’s already part of our daily routines through tablets, smartphones and computers.

You’ve seen me emphasize again and again: “Most people are visual learners when it comes to skills acquisition.”

‘Seeing’, ‘hearing’, and ‘doing’ – in combination – is still the best way.”

The basic skills gap, so prevalent in our country, can be successfully addressed — and one of the better solutions involves moving away from the old lecture/reading regimen and, instead, adopting the best of multi-sensory learning.

Take a minute to observe your trainees outside the formal classroom setting. Aren’t they accessing their tablets and smartphones routinely? And, by doing so, aren’t they trying to tell us something about the learning culture of today?