Author: Mary A. Finn

Publisher:

Published: 1991

Total Pages: 349

ISBN-13:

In this Program Demonstrating Excellence ("PDE"), an evaluation was conducted to determine the relative effectiveness of performance-based and traditional methods in the training of asbestos workers. In addition, the effects of peer influence (through public and in-house classes) and the covariates of age and asbestos experience were investigated. the field of asbestos removal is unique when compared to most other jobs involving labor-classified workers. In asbestos removal, the consequences of improper job performance (terminal health effects) are separated from the action by a long latency period. In this situation, learning on the job is not an effective way of gaining knowledge, and the asbestos worker must be properly trained prior to beginning job duties. In the performance-based training system developed for this PDE, the types of performances required for successful job completion--recall, discrimination, manipulation, and problem-solving--were considered. the course materials were presented in a manner designed to elicit the specific performance type from the participants during training. In effect, the participants "practiced" prior to conducting their actual jobs. In contrast, the traditional training system consisted of existing asbestos training courses in which information was presented in common lecture format without regard to types of job performances. to evaluate the effect of peer influence, classes were taught in public and in-house settings. Public settings consisted of training classes open to members of the public at large; in-house settings consisted of training classes in which only co-workers were present. the results of this PDE showed that the performance-based, in-house class performed at a level far superior to all other groups. the performance-based, public class performed at a higher level than either of the traditional classes. the traditional, in-house class generally performed better than the traditional, public class. Age and/or experience were significant covariates in objectives where previous work experience enhanced performance. the need to ensure that asbestos workers receive adequate training, such as that which can be achieved through a performance-based, in-house class, is underscored by the results of the PDE. In addition, these techniques can be applied to other areas in which the effects of improper performance involve health effects with a long latency period.