SHRM Learning & Development 1 — Questions and Answers
Question 1: What is the primary purpose of a Training Needs Analysis (TNA)?
- To evaluate the effectiveness of past training programs
- To identify performance gaps and determine if training is the appropriate solution (Correct answer)
- To create a budget for employee development activities
- To assess employee satisfaction with current training offerings
Correct answer: To identify performance gaps and determine if training is the appropriate solution
A TNA identifies gaps between current and desired performance levels and determines whether training is the right intervention to close those gaps.
Question 2: Which adult learning theory, developed by Malcolm Knowles, emphasizes that adults are self-directed learners?
- Behaviorism
- Constructivism
- Andragogy (Correct answer)
- Pedagogy
Correct answer: Andragogy
Andragogy, developed by Malcolm Knowles, is the theory of adult learning that recognizes adults as self-directed, experience-rich learners who are internally motivated.
Question 3: The Kirkpatrick Model evaluates training effectiveness at four levels. Which level specifically measures whether participants acquired the intended knowledge or skills?
- Level 1 – Reaction
- Level 2 – Learning (Correct answer)
- Level 3 – Behavior
- Level 4 – Results
Correct answer: Level 2 – Learning
Level 2 of the Kirkpatrick Model measures the degree to which participants acquired the intended knowledge, skills, attitude, confidence, or commitment.
Question 4: What does the '70-20-10' learning model suggest about how employees develop most of their competencies?
- 70% classroom, 20% e-learning, 10% on-the-job practice
- 70% on-the-job experience, 20% social or developmental relationships, 10% formal education (Correct answer)
- 70% skills training, 20% knowledge building, 10% attitude development
- 70% mandatory training, 20% elective courses, 10% leadership programs
Correct answer: 70% on-the-job experience, 20% social or developmental relationships, 10% formal education
The 70-20-10 model proposes that 70% of learning comes from on-the-job experiences, 20% from interactions with others, and only 10% from formal training.
Question 5: Which type of training method is MOST effective for developing interpersonal and communication skills?
- Computer-based training (CBT)
- Self-paced online modules
- Role-playing and simulation exercises (Correct answer)
- Reading assignments and reference manuals
Correct answer: Role-playing and simulation exercises
Role-playing and simulations allow employees to actively practice interpersonal and communication skills in realistic scenarios with immediate feedback.
Question 6: What is 'blended learning' in the context of employee training?
- Training that combines content from multiple subject areas into one course
- A combination of online digital media with traditional face-to-face instruction (Correct answer)
- Learning programs designed simultaneously for employees at multiple skill levels
- Training that blends company-specific content with external industry standards
Correct answer: A combination of online digital media with traditional face-to-face instruction
Blended learning integrates online digital learning tools with traditional classroom or face-to-face instruction to create a more flexible and effective training experience.
Question 7: In succession planning, what is the primary purpose of using a '9-box grid'?
- To rank employees by salary bands and compensation levels
- To assess employees on current performance and future potential to identify future leaders (Correct answer)
- To categorize job positions by complexity and scope of responsibility
- To schedule training rotations for employees in leadership pipelines
Correct answer: To assess employees on current performance and future potential to identify future leaders
The 9-box grid evaluates employees on two dimensions—current performance and future potential—to identify candidates for succession and targeted leadership development.
SHRM Learning & Development 1
What is the primary purpose of a Training Needs Analysis (TNA)?