3/26/2021

Talent Development
Glossary Terms
This easy-to use quick reference guide
provides essential trainer's terms, along with
many need-to-know expressions for learning
professionals.
All definitions are research-based, expert-vetted, and
come from the Talent Development Body of
Knowledge.
A
ADDIE is an instructional systems design model. It is
composed of five phases:
• Analysis is the process of gathering data to identify
specific needs—the who, what, where, when, and why of
the design process.
• Design is the planning stage.
• Development is the phase in which training materials and
content are selected and developed based on learning
objectives.
• Implementation occurs when the course is delivered,
whether in person or electronically.
• Evaluation is the ongoing process of developing and
improving instructional materials based on feedback
received during and after implementation.
Adult Learning Theory is a term that encompasses the
collective theories and principles of how adults learn and
acquire knowledge. Popularized by Malcolm Knowles,
adult learning theory provides the foundation that training
and development professionals need to meet workplace
learning needs.
Affective Learning is the acquisition of knowledge based
on Benjamin Bloom’s taxonomy in which he identified
three learning domains: cognitive (knowledge), affective
(attitude), and psychomotor (skills). This taxonomy or
classification of the processes of thinking and learning
provides the framework for the creation of instructional
strategies, materials, and activities used to improve
individual workplace learning and performance. Affective
refers to the learners’ outlook or mindset.
Analysis is the breaking up and examining of parts of a
whole. In workplace learning and performance, analysis is
the process of determining the following:
• Gap, which identifies the discrepancy between the
desired and actual knowledge, skills, and performance,
and specifies root causes.
• Job, which identifies learners’ workplace duties and
responsibilities, and tasks done on a daily, weekly,
monthly, or yearly basis.
• Needs is the process of collecting and synthesizing data
to identify how training can help an organization reach its
goals.
• Task is the process of identifying the specific steps that
need to be taken to correctly perform a job function.
Andragogy (from the Greek meaning adult learning) is the
method and practice of teaching adults. It was advanced
by Malcolm Knowles, whose theory outlines five key
principles of adult learning: self-concept, prior experience,
readiness to learn, orientation to learning, and motivation
to learn.
AOEs (Areas of Expertise) are the specific technical and
professional skills and knowledge mastery areas for
success in the WLP profession.
Appreciative Inquiry (AI) Theory is an approach to large-
scale organizational change that involves the analysis of
positive and successful (rather than negative or failing)
operations. The AI four-D cycle (discovery, dream, design,
destiny) includes identifying problems, analyzing causes,
searching for solutions, and developing an action plan.
Artificial Intelligence (AI) is typically defined as the ability
of a machine to simulate human cognitive processes, such
as perceiving, reasoning, learning, interacting with the
environment, problem solving, and creativity.
Associate Professional in Talent Development (APTD)
is a certification for talent development professionals who
are in the early part of their careers or whose professional
roles and aspirations are focused on a few areas of
expertise. The capabilities included in the APTD are the
basics of talent development that professionals can use
every day, no matter the level within an organization or
company. It may be a destination for some or a stepping
stone to the CPTD for others.
Asynchronous Learning is when the trainer and the
learner do not participate simultaneously in time or
location; for example, asynchronous e-learning.
Authoring Tools are software programs that allow a
content expert to interact with a computer in everyday
language to develop courseware.

B
Balanced Scorecard Approach is a strategic planning
and management system for measuring and tracking an
organization's performance through four perspectives: the
customer, learning and growth (or innovation), internal
business processes, and financial.
Behavioral Career Counseling is a scientifically precise
approach to career decision making that leverages
concepts from psychology.
Behaviorism is a learning theory focused on observable
and measurable behavior. It is usually associated with
psychologist B.F. Skinner, who predicted that animal and
human behavior occurs through conditioning, which is the
reinforcement of desired responses.
Benchmarking is a measure of quality by comparing
business process metrics to standard measurements or
the best industry measures. The purposes of
benchmarking are to compare and analyze to similar items
to learn how other organizations achieve performance
levels and to use this information to make improvements.
Blended Learning is the practice of using several media
in one curriculum. It refers to the combination of formal
and informal learning events, such as classroom
instruction, online resources, and on-the-job coaching.
Bloom's Taxonomy developed by Benjamin Bloom, is a
hierarchical model used to classify learning into three
outcomes or domains—cognitive (knowledge),
psychomotor (skills), and affective (attitude)—referred to
as KSAs. The domain categories use verbs to define
behavior in a hierarchical relationship that becomes
progressively more complex and difficult to achieve. The
taxonomy is useful for writing learning objectives.

Business Insight is the understanding of key factors

affecting a business, such as its current situation,
influences from its industry or market, and factors
influencing growth. It also includes understanding how an
organization accomplishes its mission or purpose, makes
and spends money, and makes decisions, as well as the
internal processes and structures of how work gets done.
C
Career Advising is professional guidance for making
vocation and occupation decisions. It may include outlining
required development options.
Career Development is a planned process of interaction
between an organization and an individual that allows the
employee to grow within the organization.
Case Study is a learning method in which a real or
fictitious situation is presented for analysis and problem
solving.
Certification is a process for increasing technical
competencies through studies, testing, and practical
application while also working toward a recognized
designation.
Certified Professional in Talent Development (CPTD) is
a professional certification for TD professionals with at
least five years of experience. It is broad and measures a
professional’s knowledge and skill application across the
breadth of talent development capabilities.

Change Agent is any person or group responsible for

initiating or implementing organizational change. It is also
a person who understands organizational and personal
change dynamics and seeks to affect a different condition
in an organization.
Change Management is the process for enabling change
within an organization by using structured approaches to
shift individuals, teams, and organizations from a current
state to a future state. It is considered an organizational
capability in ATD’s Capability Model.

Cloud Computing is a model for enabling shared network

access of computing resources. It is a concept still in the
early stages of development, and its definition and
potential effects are still evolving. It is the driver of an
important shift in information technology, one that will
affect everyone who uses computing and
telecommunications technology.
Coaching is a widely used term with multiple definitions.
The International Coach Federation defines coaching as
"a professional partnership between a qualified coach and
an individual or team that supports the achievement of
extraordinary results, based on goals set by the individual
or team. Through the process of coaching, individuals
focus on the skills and actions needed to successfully
produce their personally relevant results.” It is not
counseling, mentoring, training, or giving advice. Coaching
may also be used on the job, when a more experienced
person, often a supervisor, provides constructive advice
and feedback to develop or improve an employee’s
performance.
Cognition is the mental process of acquiring knowledge
and understanding through the five senses, thought, and
experience. The word dates back to the 15th century,
meaning thinking and awareness.
Collaboration is behavior in which two or more individuals
work together toward a common goal with equal
opportunity to participate, communicate, and be involved.
During conflict it is when both parties work together to
develop a win-win solution.
Collaborative Learning is an instructional approach in
which two or more learners work together to discover,
learn, solve problems, and share information either in
person or online. It may be used by facilitators to
encourage engagement and involvement.
Communication requires active listening, facilitating
dialogue, and the ability to express thoughts, feelings, and
ideas clearly, concisely, and compellingly.
Communication’s 6 Cs are the six basic attributes
required for sending a message or sharing information:
· clear—choosing audience-appropriate words that are
precise and descriptive
· correct—selecting words that ensure accuracy and
using correct grammar; avoiding misusing words
· complete—articulating comprehensive messages that
include all the details
· concise—choosing short specific sentences and
phrases; avoiding rambling
· coherent—maintaining consistency, selecting simple
sentence structures, and presenting in an easy to follow
order
· courteous—using words that are respectful, friendly,
positive, gender-neutral, and sensitive; avoiding accusing
or blaming.

Community of Practice (CoP) is a group of people who

have a common interest in an area of competence and
share the experiences of their practice.
Competency-Based Learning is an instructional
approach that focuses on individual skills or outcomes,
known as competencies (usually defined in a competency
dictionary created from an occupational analysis of the
skills required for successful performance). The approach
is focused on individual learners who work on one
competency at a time, with the ability to skip a learning
module if they can demonstrate a mastery of the skills
contained within it. It’s applied most often to skills-based
learning.
Compliance is an action that is mandated by a law,
agency, or policy outside the organization’s purview. It is
generally accompanied by a training program requirement.
Computer-based training (CBT) is any course of
learning that encompasses the use of computers in both
instruction and management of the teaching and learning
process. There is no single definition because many other
terms are included under the CBT umbrella, including
computer-aided instruction, computer-managed
instruction, and computer-based instruction.
Confidence interval is the defined range within which a
set of values are expected to be.
Conflict management is the ability to limit the negative
aspects and increase the positive aspects of
disagreements, battles, and differing opinions and desires.
Constructivism is a learning theory that states that
people construct their own understanding and knowledge
of the world through their experiences and reflecting on
them. Swiss developmental psychologist Jean Piaget was
a key proponent of constructivism suggesting that learners
construct knowledge from assimilation and
accommodation.
Consulting is the short-term, internal or external defined
process for solving problems and helping individuals,
groups, or organizations move from a current state to a
desired state.
Content management system (CMS) is a computer
software system that supports the creation, organization,
and modification of digital documents and other content by
multiple users for an organization's web content or digital
assets.
Creative thinking is a way of looking at problems or
situations from a fresh perspective that suggests
unorthodox solutions. Creative thinking can be stimulated
by an unstructured process such as brainstorming and by
a structured process such as lateral thinking.
Criterion-referenced is a kind of test or assessment that
measures learners’ performance against a specific set of
predetermined criteria or standards.
Critical path method (CPM) is a chart that is similar to a
program evaluation review technique (PERT) chart. A
CPM chart indicates the critical path, which is the path of
tasks that together take the longest time to complete.
Critical thinking is a form of analysis that helps evaluate
an issue to form a judgment that is logical and well thought
out. It does not accept all arguments and conclusions on
face value. Rather, it requires viewing the evidence that is
involved to support an argument or conclusion. The skills
that comprise critical thinking include analytical thinking,
open-mindedness, problem solving, and decision making.
Crowdsourcing is a term referring to the ability of many
to accomplish what has been traditionally accomplished by
a smaller, more specialized group. The attraction of
crowdsourcing is the idea that it calls to action people who
are best able to solve problems, channel creativity, and do
smart work.
Culture represents the collective assessment of an
organization based upon deeper, relatively enduring, often
unconscious values, norms, and assumptions.
Cultural Awareness and Inclusion refer to the ability to
convey respect for different perspectives, backgrounds,
customs, abilities, and behavior norms, as well as ensure
all employees are respected and involved by leveraging
their capabilities, insights, and ideas.

D
Data and Analytics are key drivers for organization
performance and should be drivers for talent development.
Data collection is the act of gathering of all facts, figures,
statistics, and other information for analyses and
assessments; examples of data-collection methods or
tools include questionnaires, interviews, and observations.
Define, measure, analyze, improve, and control
(DMAIC) methodology is a five-step data-driven
improvement process used for reduction of defects,
process improvement, and customer satisfaction. It is the
core tool used to lead Six Sigma projects.
Delivery is any method of transferring content to learners,
including instructor-led training, virtual training, CD-ROMs,
and books.
Design thinking is a human-centered process that
provides a means for defining problems from multiple
perspectives, brainstorming possible solutions, prototyping
those solutions, and then testing and iterating to optimize
the best approach. It focuses on the spot where business
needs, user needs, and technology or environmental
constraints meet.
Development is the acquisition of knowledge, skill, or
attitude that prepares people for new directions or
responsibilities. It may also refer to the third phase in
ADDIE, in which training materials and content are
selected and developed based on learning objectives.
Discovery learning is a specific learning process in which
participants encounter a problem in an activity, respond to
the problem, identify useful knowledge or skills gained,
debrief what was learned, and plan for transferring what
they learned. This process is also known as experiential
learning or experiential learning activity. See also
Experiential Learning Activity (ELA).
Distance learning is an educational delivery in which the
instructor and students are separated by time, location, or
both. Distance learning can be synchronous or
asynchronous.
Diversity is a broad term that encompasses race,
ethnicity, sexual orientation, faith, age, and other factors
that make a person unique.
Double-loop learning is changing underlying values and
assumptions as decision making progresses. It is also
referred to as reframing or changing the context.

E
Effect size is a way of quantifying the difference between
two groups using standard deviation. For example, if one
group (the treatment group) has had an experimental
treatment and the other (the control group) has not, the
effect size is a measure of the difference between the two
groups.
Elaboration is a deliberate practice technique where
learners put content into their own words and connect it
with existing memories such as skills or knowledge they
already have.
E-Learning (Electronic Learning) is a term covering a
wide set of applications and processes such as web-
based learning, computer-based learning, virtual
classrooms, and digital collaboration.
Emotional Intelligence is the ability to accurately identify
and understand one's own emotional reactions and those
of others. This eighth intelligence, based on Gardner's
multiple intelligence theory, was popularized by Daniel
Goleman in his book Emotional Intelligence.
Empathy means recognizing emotional needs in others
and effectively supporting them in the way that they
require. It is the ability to view and understand other’s
feelings, needs, and concerns, and is key to effective
interpersonal relationships.
Employee experience, sometimes called the employee
journey, is the perspective employees have about an
organization that is influenced by their workspace,
communication, work-life balance, interactions with their
teams and supervisor, the technology and tools they use,
and many other touchpoints of their jobs.
Employee training and development includes any
activity that helps employees acquire new, or improve
existing, knowledge or skills. Training is a formal process
by which talent development professionals help individuals
improve performance at work. Development is the
acquisition of knowledge, skill, or attitude that prepares
people for new directions or responsibilities.
Energizer is an activity designed to invigorate a group.
Enterprise resource planning (ERP) is business
management software, typically a suite of integrated
applications that an organization uses to collect, store,
manage, and interpret data from all business activities and
departments.
Evaluation of training is a multi-level, systematic method
for gathering information about the effectiveness and
impact of training programs. Results of the measurements
can be used to improve the offering, determine whether
the learning objectives have been achieved, and assess
the value of the training to the organization.
Executive Coach provides a safe, structured, and
trustworthy environment in which to offer support for
senior managers or leaders within an organization.
Experiential learning is a specific learning process in
which learners participate in an activity, review the activity,
identify useful knowledge or skills that were gained,
debrief what was learned, and transfer what was learned
to the workplace. It is also known as discovery learning.

F
Facilitation refers to the trainer’s role in the learning
process—helping learners acquire, retain, and apply
knowledge and skills. May also be referred to as training
delivery.

Feedback is advice or information from one person to

another about how useful or successful an event, process,
or action is. In coaching and all TD activities, learners
receive feedback regarding their progress, which helps
with learning retention and behavior change.
Formal learning is a planned learning program that
derives from activities within a structured learning setting
and includes instructor-led classroom, instructor-led online
training, certification programs, workshops, and college
courses. There is a curriculum, agenda, and objectives
that occur within a pre-established timeframe.
Formative evaluation occurs throughout the design of
any talent development solution. Its purpose is to improve
the draft initiative and increase the likelihood that it will
achieve its objectives. For example, in performance
improvement the assessment measures the progress
throughout the HPI model, such as a client’s expectations
and whether the root cause has been identified.
Future Readiness refers to intellectual curiosity and
constant scanning of the environment to stay abreast of
forces shaping the business world, employees and their
expectations, and the talent development profession and
to handle the changes in how work is done in the years
ahead.
G
Gagné's Nine Events of Instruction were developed by
Robert Gagné, a pioneer in the field of instructional
design. The nine events are meant to help ensure that
learning occurs—from gaining attention and informing
learners of the objective to assessing performance and
enhancing retention and transfer.
Gamification is the application of typical elements of
game playing (point scoring, competition, rules of play) to
the design of development initiatives. It is used as either
the optimal learning approach or as a technique to
encourage engagement.
Gig Economy is the workforce environment where
temporary, independent, and short-term engagements are
routine.
Goal refers to an end state or condition toward which
human effort is directed.
Group Dynamics refers to the interaction of individuals
working or learning together and includes communication,
goal-setting, decision making, providing leadership, and
resolving conflict.
Groupthink is an unhealthy group decision-making
behavior that occurs when all members of a group
conform their thinking to the perceived consensus of the
group.
Growth mindset is a concept developed by Carol Dweck
in which people believe they are in control of their abilities
and can learn, improve, and develop them.
H
Hackathon is an event that started in technology, where a
large group of people with expertise from multiple
professions gather to quickly create new software or
hardware. The event has spread to other professions,
occurring when large numbers of people gather for a day
or more to collaborate in small groups to work on a project
or create a new approach or venture.
Hard Data consists of objective quantitative measures that
can be stated in terms of frequency, percentage,
proportion, or time.
Human capital describes the collective knowledge, skills,
competencies, and values of the people in an
organization.
I
Icebreakers are activities conducted at the beginning of
training programs that introduce participants to one
another and may introduce content, to help participants
ease into the program.
Individual development plan (IDP) is a plan for personal
improvement in a current job or for job advancement.
Content may be tied to performance data; however, a
development discussion is usually held at a different time
from a performance appraisal discussion.
ILT (Instructor-Led Training) usually refers to traditional
classroom training, in which an instructor teaches a course
to a room of learners.
Informal learning is what occurs outside a structured
program, plan, or class. This type of learning occurs
naturally through observations, trial and error, and talking
and collaborating with others. It is usually spontaneous,
and could include coaching, mentoring, stretch
assignments, or rotational assignments. It can also include
reading books and blog posts, watching online video
platforms such as YouTube, listening to podcasts,
searching the Internet, and retrieving other digital content.
Instructional Design is an essential element of an
effective learning effort. The creation of learning
experiences and materials is what results in the
acquisition and application of knowledge and skills.
Instructional Designer is an individual who applies a
systematic methodology based on instructional theory to
create learning content.
Instructional systems design or instructional systems
development (ISD) is the practice of creating learning
experiences. It is a systems approach to analyzing,
designing, developing, implementing, and evaluating any
instructional experience based on the belief that training is
most effective when it gives learners a clear statement of
what they must be able to do as a result of training and
how their performance will be evaluated.
Instrument is a Human Resource Development (HRD)
device such as an assessment, checklist, inventory,
questionnaire, survey, or test used to gather information.
Integration involves combining hardware, software (and,
in e-learning, content) components together to work as an
interoperable system. The process of integration may also
include front-end planning and strategy.
Intellectual Property is an idea, invention, formula,
literary work, presentation, or other knowledge asset
owned by an organization or individual. Intellectual
property can be protected by copyrights, patents,
trademarks, or service marks.
Interleaving is a deliberate practice technique where
topics within the instruction are alternated—so one is
started before the other is completed. This technique
weaves topics together and repeats them.
Intrapreneurial is a situation where an employee works
internally but is expected to act using entrepreneurial
attributes.
J
Job Aid is a tool that provides guidance about when and
how to carry out tasks and steps. Job aids reduce the
amount of recall needed and minimize error. They may
take the form of checklists, video demonstrations, or audio
instruction.

K
Kirkpatrick, Donald is considered the father of training
evaluation, which he first postulated in the 1950s. He
created the four levels of evaluation: reaction, behavior,
results, and business impact.
Knowledge Management (KM) is a systematic approach
to achieving organizational goals by creating, capturing,
curating, sharing, and managing the organization’s
knowledge to ensure the right information and knowledge
flow to the right people at the right time.
Knowledge mapping is a process for identifying and
connecting the location, ownership, value, and use of
knowledge and expertise in an organization. Examples of
knowledge maps include network charts, yellow pages of
experts, or a matrix relating knowledge to key processes.
Knowles, Malcolm, is considered the father of adult
learning theory. He defined six assumptions about adult
learning and published The Adult Learner: A Neglected
Species in 1973.

L
Learning Content Management System (LCMS) is
software technology that provides a multi-user
environment where developers, authors, instructional
designers, and subject matter experts may create, store,
reuse, manage, and deliver digital e-learning content from
a central object repository. An LCMS focuses on the
development, management, and publication of content
that is typically delivered via a learning management
system (LMS).
Leadership Development is any activity that increases
an individual’s leadership ability or an organization’s
leadership capability, including activities such as learning
events, mentoring, coaching, self-study, job rotation, and
special assignments to develop the knowledge and skills
required to lead.
Learning Experience Platform (LXP) goes beyond a
traditional LMS to provide personalized social and online
learning opportunities.
Learning Management System (LMS) is software
technology for delivering online courses or training to
learners while performing learning management functions,
such as creating course catalogs, keeping track of
learners' progress and performance across all types of
training, and generating reports. An LMS is not used to
create course content; that work is performed using an
LCMS.
Learning Sciences refers to the interdisciplinary
research-based field that works to further the
understanding of learning, learning innovation, and
instructional methodologies.
Learning Modality is how information is received through
the five senses: hearing, seeing, smelling, tasting, and
touching.
Learning Objectives are clear, observable, measurable
goal statements of behavior that a learner must
demonstrate for training to be considered a success.
Lifelong Learning is the ongoing, self-motivated quest for
knowledge to develop personally or professionally.
M
Machine learning incorporates algorithms that are
composed of many technologies (including deep learning,
neural networks, and natural language processing) that
operate guided by lessons from existing information.
Metric is a number that is generated by a standardized
procedure and method of calculation; a measurement
could result from a different calculation or measuring
technique each time.
Microlearning enhances learning and performance in the
most efficient and effective manner possible through short
pieces of content.
Mind-mapping is a creative, converging technique that
organizes thoughts and ideas in branching subcategories
around one central topic.
Mobile Learning is learning that takes place via wireless
devices such as smart phones, tablets, or laptop
computers.
Model is a representation of an idea, object, process, or
phenomenon.
Modules, sometimes called lessons, are units of learning
that provide content and practice based on predefined
learning objectives. Each module contains objectives,
information, task content, practice activities, and an
assessment mechanism to determine whether the
objectives were reached.
Multisensory learning engages the learner and
increases retention by using different senses. When the
brain receives information visually, it stores that content
differently than if the information was heard or gained
using the other senses. If more senses are involved in
learning, more of the brain is involved in storing the
information.
Myers-Briggs Type Indicator (MBTI) is an instrument
that helps determine personality type based on
preferences for extraversion or introversion, intuiting or
sensing, thinking or feeling, and judging or perceiving. It’s
often used in career development and team building.
N

Needs analysis is a systemic process of collecting and

synthesizing data and information to determine the
difference between the current condition and the desired
future condition.
Needs assessment is a process for identifying and
measuring the discrepancy between current conditions
and desired conditions.
Neuroplasticity describes the brain’s ability to reorganize
itself, both physically and functionally, due to
environmental, behavioral, learning, and emotional
influences.
O
Objective is a target or purpose that, when combined with
other objectives, leads to a goal.
Observation occurs when participants are told to witness
an event and be prepared to share their reflections,
reactions, data, or insights. This also is a methodology for
data collection.
OJT (On-the-Job Training), one of the oldest forms of
training, is a delivery system that dispenses training to
employees as they need it.
Onboarding is the process through which organizations
equip new employees with the knowledge and skills they
need to succeed at their jobs.
Organization Development (OD) is the process of
developing an organization so that it’s more effective in
achieving its business goals. OD uses planned initiatives
to develop the systems, structures, and process in the
organization to improve effectiveness.
P
Pedagogy is the art or practice of teaching that usually
refers to children. Pedagogy focuses on the skills teachers
use to impart knowledge and emphasizes the teacher’s
role. It is contrasted with andragogy, the teaching of
adults, which focuses on the learner who is assumed to be
self-directed and motivated to learn. See also andragogy.)
Performance Management is the ongoing
communication process between supervisors and
employees to establish expectations that support
accomplishing the organization’s strategic objectives,
including clarifying expectations, setting objectives,
providing feedback and coaching, and reviewing results.
Performance Improvement is a holistic and systematic
approach to meeting organizational goals by identifying
and closing human performance gaps.
Performance Support provides just enough information
to complete a task when and where a performer needs it.
The support is embedded within the natural workflow and
is organized for use within a specific context, such as the
location or role that requires completion.
Project Management is the planning, organizing,
directing, and controlling of resources for a finite period of
time to complete specific goals and objectives.
R

Rapid Instructional Design (RID) is a flexible approach

to the conventional ISD model that uses a collection of
strategies to quickly produce instructional packages. RID
strategies include incorporating existing material, using
templates, and using subject matter experts efficiently.
Return on Investment (ROI) is a ratio of the benefit or
profit received from a given investment to the cost of the
investment itself; for example, it can be used to compare
the monetary benefits of training programs with program
costs. ROI is usually displayed as a percentage or cost-
benefit ratio.
Retrieval Practice is a deliberate technique in which
learners build retention by recalling the skill or knowledge
directly from memory, rather than reading a text or
watching a demonstration.
Retrieval, sometimes called recall, is how the brain
accesses information that has been encoded and stored.
S
Sales Enablement supports a sales team in achieving its
goals by providing it with the tools and resources it needs
to win. It spans sales strategy, sales training, coaching,
content creation, process improvement, sales career
development, and sales compensation, among other
areas.
Scope Creep is when work or deliverables are added to a
project that were neither part of the project requirements
nor added through a formal change process.
SCORM (Shareable Content Object Reference Model)
defines a way of constructing learning management
systems and courses so they can be shared with other
compliant systems.
Self-directed learning (SDL) is when the learner
determines the pace and timing of content delivery. It
occurs through a variety of media (print products or
electronically).
Simulation is a broad genre of experiences, including
games for entertainment and immersive learning
simulations for formal learning programs. Simulations use
simulation elements to model and present situations;
portraying actions and demonstrating how the actions
affect relevant systems, and how those systems produce
feedback and results.
Six-Sigma Methodology is a disciplined, data-driven
approach for improving business processes; the goal is to
improve output quality by identifying and eliminating
causes for defects (driving toward six standard deviations
between the mean and the nearest specification limit) in a
process. The fundamental objective of the Six-Sigma
methodology is the implementation of a measurement-
based strategy that focuses on process improvement and
variation reduction through the application of projects.
Subject Matter Expert (SME) is an individual who is
recognized as having proficient knowledge and skills in a
particular topic or subject area.
Social Learning occurs naturally when two or more
people interact. Organizations are now beginning to use
social media tools to enhance social learning and
knowledge-sharing, resulting in more informed, effective
workplace collaborations.
Strategic planning is the process an organization uses to
identify its direction for the future. No single process
exists, but it usually includes envisioning the future,
defining goals and objectives, aligning structure and
resources, and implementing the plan.
Succession Planning is the systematic process of
identifying, evaluating, and developing personnel who
have the potential to assume leadership or mission-critical
positions upon the resignation, termination, transfer,
promotion, or death of an incumbent.
Synchronous Training occurs when the facilitator and
the learner participate in the training at the same time. It is
most often used when discussing virtual training, which
can be synchronous or asynchronous.
T
Talent Acquisition is a process for filling vacancies in a
timely manner.
Talent Development (TD) refers to the efforts that foster
learning and employee development to drive
organizational performance, productivity, and results.
Talent Strategy and Management are the practices used
to build an organization's culture, engagement, capability,
and capacity through the implementation and integration
of talent acquisition, employee development, retention,
and deployment processes, ensuring these processes are
aligned to organizational goals.
Taxonomy is a system of order that serves as the
foundation for codifying knowledge. For example, a KM
taxonomy focuses on enabling the efficient retrieval and
sharing of knowledge, information, and data across an
organization. It is built around work processes and
knowledge needs in an intuitive structure.
Team building is a process for transforming an ineffective
or dysfunctional group into an efficient, productive team
through various experiential learning activities, including
data review, interpersonal activities, exploring problems
and challenges, and establishing action plans for change.
Technology Application refers to practitioners ability to
identify opportunities to adapt and leverage the right
technologies at the right time to meet organizational and
people development goals.
Theory X is a theory of human motivation developed by
Douglas McGregor in the 1960s. The theory assumes that
employees are inherently lazy, dislike work, and will avoid
it if they can. Belief in Theory X leads to a management
philosophy of close supervision and tight control of
employees.
Theory Y is a theory of human motivation developed by
Douglas McGregor. In contrast to Theory X, Theory Y
assumes that most employees are self-motivated, enjoy
working, and will work to achieve goals to which they are
committed. Belief in Theory Y leads to a management
philosophy of trust that employees will take responsibility
for their work and do not need constant supervision.
Trainer is a person who helps individuals improve
performance by facilitating learning in a traditional or
virtual classroom, one-on-one, or on-the-job in an
organization.
Training Delivery ( and Facilitation) are means by which
talent development professionals help individuals improve
performance at work by learning new skills and
knowledge.
Training Objective is a statement of what the instructor
hopes to accomplish during the training session.
Training Transfer Evaluation is a process to measure
the success of the learner's ability to transfer and
implement learning on the job.
Triple-Loop Learning is a model (along with single- and
double-loop learning) that helps TD professionals
understand the dynamics of learning that is frequently
defined as "learning how to learn." Learners reflect beyond
what they learned to how they learned, how they think
about what they learned, and how others feel about what
was learned. This causes them to transform by willingly
altering their beliefs and values about themselves and
about the world.
U
Unconscious biases are learned stereotypes that
unintentionally influence behavior. They are deeply
ingrained, which causes them to occur automatically.
Upskilling is training designed to augment existing skills
with new or significantly enhanced knowledge. This
enables individuals to continue to succeed in the same
profession or field of work. Upskilling does not refer to
normal, ongoing development.

V
VAK Model is a model of the way that individuals learn
and retain information. Some people learn primarily
through one style, others through a combination of three:
visual (learners need pictures, diagrams, and other
visuals), audio (learners need to hear information), and
kinesthetic (learners prefer hands-on learning).
Virtual classroom is an online learning space where
learners and facilitators interact.
Virtual reality (VR) is computer-generated simulation that
uses a head-mounted display to give learners the ability to
explore a fully rendered digital environment and
manipulate objects with handheld controls and voice
commands. This powerful tool allows learners to perform
skills in a realistic, engaging simulation of a real-life
environment. It’s especially valuable in for training learners
in dangerous or hard to replicate situations, such as
emergencies or heavy equipment simulations.
W
Wants-Based Approach is a customer approach that
focuses primarily on satisfying the client’s needs.
WBT (Web-Based Training) delivers educational content
via a web browser over the public Internet, a private
intranet, or an extranet.
Web-based training often provides links to other learning
resources such as references, email, bulletin boards, and
discussion groups. instructor-led training while also
retaining the advantages of computer-based training.
White paper is a short report based on a particular topic
of concern to an organization.
Wiki is a collection of web pages in one location on which
anyone with access can contribute or modify the content.
It’s useful for collaboration and data compilation.
Workplace Learning and Performance (WLP)
encompasses the professions of training, performance
improvement, learning, development, and workplace
education. It is often colloquially referred to as training or
training and development.

X
xAPI is the Experience Application Programming
Interface, an e-learning software specification to record
learning experiences an individual has on and offline. It’s
also known as Tin Can API or the experience API.