Developing Action Strategies

After reviewing the data I had collected, several easy-to-implement action strategies emerged. The first strategy was enhancing TLC's communication system. I will continue with the weekly e-mail reminders and for those who do not have email, a phone message. As a handy coincidence, Teck Cominco has promoted information technology training so that 90% of active employees have access to the company's e- mail system; this percentage continues to grow. The completed web site now features a section where learners review courses and make suggestions for improvements. I have submitted short articles to the Employee News Network to remind learners of upcoming courses as well as blanket e-mails when space is available in a particular course. Further, a section has been added to the Winter 2002 course offering, recommending that learners sign up for a maximum of 3 courses. A note to all the “Champions” asking that they pass this idea along to learners has also been sent.

The second action strategy was to review alternative start times. In the Fall 2001 course offerings, several of the computer courses ran with the option of having a 4:10 p.m. start time. Some learners expressed interest in this, and when those learners were in the majority, the class started at the new time. Learners evaluate every course at TLC, and an additional question about the new start time was added to the evaluations for the piloted courses. Still many learners on their days off like the 6:30 p.m. and the 8:30 a.m. start up times. When the majority of learners indicate a preference for either one of these start times, these classes will be scheduled accordingly.

Monitoring the Results and Reflecting on the Action Research Project

The evaluation of the enhancements to TLC's communication strategies are fairly straightforward. As TLC runs three offerings per year (Winter, Spring, Fall), results from previous years can be compared to see if “sign up to attendance” rates improve. As well, I can seek input about the effectiveness of the website from learners and track the interest by the number of hits obtained. The new website will be advertised on TLC's interest bulletins and on the Employee News Network, which continues to feature stories about TLC. I have also informed learners that they should register for a maximum of three courses. This was done through articles, notes on the interest bulletins, and personal exchanges.