Blended learning for soft skills development: testing a four-level framework for integrating work and learning to maximize personal practice and job performance

'Blended learning' refers to combining different kinds of instructional approaches, like face-to-face learning and coaching, with a variety of technologies, including discussion boards, e-content, and conference calls. This research study compares the learning outcomes of four different blended learning strategies for developing the 'soft skills' that enhance job performance and personal interactions. The four strategies range from a very loose coupling of personal learning with job performance to a very tight coupling. The results showed that some individuals excelled in each of the research groups, and there were no common individual characteristics for those who did well in each group, or across the research study. Learning styles differed, learning preferences differed, and major motivators and major barriers for learning also differed. The authors conclude that while there is no predictable best approach to workplace learning for developing soft skills, blended strategies can make it easier to customize learning to meet specific learner characteristics, experiences, and needs.

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