A corporate distance-education model for training of

pharmacist’s assistants in South Africa

Dr. Lien Els

Hanna du Plessis

Introduction

Who are we?– Dr. Lien Els

Head of PM&A Academy

– Hanna du Plessis

Course Co-ordinator

Orientation

Clicks

Musica

Body ShopCD Warehouse

Diskom PM&A

PM&A Academy for FET

UPD

New Clicks SA

LIT

Orientation

Distance Education Model Pharmacist’s Assistants

– PM&A Pharmacies: 83 pharmacies

– Clicks Pharmacies: 800 pharmacies

Corporate Distance Education Model

Why Corporate Distance Education?

New paradigm in education in SA– SAQA Act 1995– SD Act 1998– Formal qualification while in workplace

For pharmacist’s assistants:– Qualification provides knowledge, skills,

attributes needed to fulfill tasks– Opportunities for further learning– Increase productivity, more rewarding worklife

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Principles:– Based on Unit Standards, but also...– Needs analysis for the business– Active participation of learners in design of

learning material – Mentoring / tutoring system– Appropriate behaviour, attitudes encouraged – Motivation of learners

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Principles:– Transfer of learning: knowledge to skills– Practice and repetition (tutoring)– Knowledge of progress– Time for reflection

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Content of learning material Principles:

Needs analysis for business Active participation of learners in design of

learning material– What needs exist in business?– Are they important?– How can the needs best be addressed?

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Content of learning material– What are the priorities?– How can existing materials be improved?

(Continuous needs analysis) Sources of information

– Individual needs– Organizational needs– Industry needs– Theoretical needs

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Method of training Principles:

– Learning is everyday part of job– Built into routine tasks (skills)– Also learn skills relevant to other employees in

their department– Learners expected to coach / teach co-workers– Whole work environment geared towards

learning new skills

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Method of training– Training material customised: content adjusted

• Learner can enroll for job-related modules only, or• Learner can enroll for job-related modules with

intent to acquire a formal qualification

– Self-directed learning• Learner have own career-development plan, which

is discussed with tutor / manager• Plan include new skills, gain new knowledge, long-

term career direction, short-term career direction, performance indicators

What is Corporate Distance Education?

Method of training– Continuing professional development

• Continuing: learning never ceases• Professional: focuses on personal competence in

professional role

– Peer group facilitation• Small groups, identify facilitator for specific part of

learning material. Facilitator is “expert” on specific area (eg. Stock management)

• Share tricks, tips, resources and stories• Sense of belonging, importance

To conclude...

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make a new ending...

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A seed, until it is released, is only a promise of a tree...

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