Self and Team Development in Practice (STP) Walk Rally
Chiraprapha Tan Akaraborworn
University of Minnesota
Gary N. McLean
University of Minnesota
An evaluation study was conducted to assess strengths and
weaknesses of an outdoor-based experiential training
(OBET) program used in Thailand. Self and Team
Development in Practice (STP) Walk Rally is used as the
case. Most of the principles in adult theory, experiential
learning theory, and Holton’s HRD Evaluation Research and
Measurement Model are met by the STP Walk Rally, but it
cannot promise transfer of learning. In the Thai culture,
“Sanuk,” or having fun, is the best element of the training
design. However, face-to-face feedback is not appropriate for
Thais. Recommendations for practice and research are made.
Self and Team Development in Practice (STP) is a variant of
Outdoor-Based Experiential Training (OBET) that uses experiential
learning as a technique for delivering training content such as team
building, leadership, and communication. STP Walk Rally was
developed for Thai employees in 1990 by Teerasak Kambannarak,
Suwadee Homchanchur, and staff members from Thai Yamasaki. Since
1990, STP Walk Rally has provided services for more than 200
companies in Thailand.
Problem Statement
STP Walk Rally and other Thai OBETs have gained popularity over the
last decade, especially for team building. OBET is often misused
because (a) documentation in the area is based on personal accounts
rather than systematic studies; (b) there is a paucity of research in
Thailand in this field; and (c) there is an absence of evaluation of
outdoor development programs in Thailand. The effectiveness of STP
Walk Rally and other Thai OBETs has been questioned by those who
believe it is just for fun since the activities look like childish games.
Even though many studies have been done in the U.S. and Europe
regarding these issues, they have not shown clear results. In many cases,
the research designs were weak and threatened the validity of the
research.
Without research on STP Walk Rally, it is hard to credit it with
success. Thus, STP Walk Rally will be investigated to determine its
strengths and weaknesses. There are many theories and models that
could be used, but only adult learning theory, experiential learning
theory, and Holton’s (1996) HRD Evaluation Research and
Measurement Model were selected to evaluate this particular training
program.
Research Question
What are the STP Walk Rally’s strengths and weaknesses in the Thai
context based on adult learning theory, experiential learning theory, and
Holton’s (1996) HRD Evaluation Research and Measurement Model?
Outdoor-Based Experiential Training
OBET is a training process that uses experiential learning methods
to deliver training content. There are three types of general OBET
programs: challenge courses, group initiatives, and wilderness travel
activities. The differences between general OBET and the STP Walk
Rally as used in Thailand will be described in this section.
Kolb (1993) described challenge courses or high ropes courses as
consisting of a series of activities conducted in trees or on poles. The
objectives of these courses are to develop self-confidence, to help
individuals confront fears and to increase their propensity for risk taking.
Group initiatives, or low ropes courses (Baldwin, Wagner, & Roland,
1991), consist of a series of group problem-solving activities. Baldwin et
al. (1991) indicated that low ropes courses create changes in group
climate but do not change self-concept. The third type, wilderness-based
activities, is presented as a multi-day expedition. The objectives of
wilderness programs are team building, communication, trust, and group
cohesion.
Most of the activities in Thai OBET are a combination of low
ropes and wilderness-based activities, not high ropes activities. The
expected results from OBET are team building, communication,
problem solving, and group cohesion, rather than self-development. STP
Walk Rally was originally used for team building only. Later, the
program was applied to new employee orientation, improving job
satisfaction, and improving participants’ skills in areas such as
leadership, management, and decision making. These objectives are
different from most U.S. OBETs’ objectives. In the U.S., OBET is often
used for individual development and to increase self-esteem (Wagner,
Baldwin, & Roland, 1991).
OBET has many other names. In this article, OBET will be used to
represent any outdoor-based experiential training. “Walk Rally” is the
most popular word for OBET in Thailand. In this article, STP Walk
Rally will be used to refer to the specific STP program, while OBET
will be used to refer to the general training approach.
OBET programs vary substantially from trainer to trainer. Ibbetson
(1993) stated that the essence of OBET is to use simulated outdoor
initiative activities as direct metaphors for many everyday occurrences.
In this paper, OBET means a process that uses hands-on challenges or
adventures, usually in the outdoors, combined with review and feedback,
to improve workplace performance.
STP Walk Rally
STP Walk Rally is an experiential training program intended to
enable trainees to have insights through learning by doing. Kijyanyong
(1997) defined “Walk Rally” as an activity that provides trainees with
self-experience and self-learning under competitive situations. STP
Walk Rally is adapted from European Orienteering, Group Dynamics,
and Japanese Walk Rally.
Orienteering
“Orienteering is land navigation by the use of a topographical map
and compass” (NAGWS, 1976, p. 162). In STP Walk Rally, maps are
used to direct the walk. To win the rally, participants have to work in
teams. They are expected to help each other by reading the map and
controlling the time. Teams have to get to checkpoints at a specific time.
Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics is the study of the interrelationships between
participants of a group, how the group is formed, and how it reacts to
other groups. Mathes (1968) stated that group dynamics describes what
is happening in all groups at all times whether or not the participants
recognize it. In STP Walk Rally, participants’ behaviors are videotaped
and are observed by facilitators. The tapes are played back to the
participants. The participants are then encouraged to give feedback on
their feelings and the changes that they have seen during the course.
Japanese Walk Rally
Shigeru Kobayashi developed a teaching technique called Walk
Rally in the 1960s. Japanese Walk Rally is an OBET program that
enhances collaboration and team building. The participants are divided
into teams of about 8 to 10 people. The participants on each team are
paired and each pair works together to obtain a score. The pairs’ scores
are added to get the team’s total score. The team that has the highest
score wins. This same system is used in the Thai STP Walk Rally.
STP Walk Rally’s Characteristics
The main objectives of STP Walk Rally are to have participants
learn through experiential learning activities how to develop themselves,
as well as how to understand other people in order to work together.
These objectives are similar to the T-Group objectives that focus on
learning about self and others (Rothwell, Sullivan, & McLean, 1995).
Each STP Walk Rally session consists of 40 to 50 participants. The
participants should represent a variety of ages, genders, functions, and
positions within a company. The program takes three days, including
one day of traveling because the program is held at a remote site.
However, STP Walk Rally can be tailored to meet the needs of different
organizations or groups. STP Walk Rally can be divided into two
phases: classroom training that prepares the participants to work in
teams and experiential activities with participant involvement.
Phase I. In the half-day classroom-training phase, an instructor
presents information about team building. Participants work in teams to
set goals and objectives for their teams. Trainers use ice-breakers,
games, psychological tests, and indoor experiential learning activities as
alternative facilitation methods.
Phase II. Th experiential phase lasts one-and-a-half days. In this
session, STP Walk Rally serves as a vehicle for practicing skills learned
during Phase I. There are two rounds of walks. Before the first round,
each team receives a map, time sheet, and set of rules. On the map are
hints written in poems to lead the team from one checkpoint to the next.
The team members decide which direction they should go. At each
checkpoint, all team members have to report to a Walk Rally facilitator.
They are presented with a challenge. Each team has to complete the
challenge before they proceed to the next point. The participants’
behaviors are videotaped. At the end of the walk, participants are given
an hour to reflect on what they have learned. This is followed by a
debrief session with STP facilitators. The winning team is announced
and presented with a trophy.
The second round of the Walk Rally starts on the last day.
Participants remain in the same teams. The second round is similar to the
first round, but it has different activities and checkpoints. The challenges
are more complicated. At the end of this session, debriefing is again
provided. Participants are given time for self-reflection. They exchange
feedback in person with their team members, thanking them and telling
them what they would like them to improve in the future. From personal
experience, most of the feedback is positive. There are two trophies for
the second round, one for the winning team and one for the mostimproved
team.
STP Walk Rally Evaluation
Since no research has been done on STP Walk Rally, it is difficult
to assess whether or not the program can bring about ch
Self and Team Development in Practice (STP) Walk Rally
Chiraprapha Tan Akaraborworn
University of Minnesota
Gary N. McLean
University of Minnesota
An evaluation study was conducted to assess strengths and
weaknesses of an outdoor-based experiential training
(OBET) program used in Thailand. Self and Team
Development in Practice (STP) Walk Rally is used as the
case. Most of the principles in adult theory, experiential
learning theory, and Holton’s HRD Evaluation Research and
Measurement Model are met by the STP Walk Rally, but it
cannot promise transfer of learning. In the Thai culture,
“Sanuk,” or having fun, is the best element of the training
design. However, face-to-face feedback is not appropriate for
Thais. Recommendations for practice and research are made.
Self and Team Development in Practice (STP) is a variant of
Outdoor-Based Experiential Training (OBET) that uses experiential
learning as a technique for delivering training content such as team
building, leadership, and communication. STP Walk Rally was
developed for Thai employees in 1990 by Teerasak Kambannarak,
Suwadee Homchanchur, and staff members from Thai Yamasaki. Since
1990, STP Walk Rally has provided services for more than 200
companies in Thailand.
Problem Statement
STP Walk Rally and other Thai OBETs have gained popularity over the
last decade, especially for team building. OBET is often misused
because (a) documentation in the area is based on personal accounts
rather than systematic studies; (b) there is a paucity of research in
Thailand in this field; and (c) there is an absence of evaluation of
outdoor development programs in Thailand. The effectiveness of STP
Walk Rally and other Thai OBETs has been questioned by those who
believe it is just for fun since the activities look like childish games.
Even though many studies have been done in the U.S. and Europe
regarding these issues, they have not shown clear results. In many cases,
the research designs were weak and threatened the validity of the
research.
Without research on STP Walk Rally, it is hard to credit it with
success. Thus, STP Walk Rally will be investigated to determine its
strengths and weaknesses. There are many theories and models that
could be used, but only adult learning theory, experiential learning
theory, and Holton’s (1996) HRD Evaluation Research and
Measurement Model were selected to evaluate this particular training
program.
Research Question
What are the STP Walk Rally’s strengths and weaknesses in the Thai
context based on adult learning theory, experiential learning theory, and
Holton’s (1996) HRD Evaluation Research and Measurement Model?
Outdoor-Based Experiential Training
OBET is a training process that uses experiential learning methods
to deliver training content. There are three types of general OBET
programs: challenge courses, group initiatives, and wilderness travel
activities. The differences between general OBET and the STP Walk
Rally as used in Thailand will be described in this section.
Kolb (1993) described challenge courses or high ropes courses as
consisting of a series of activities conducted in trees or on poles. The
objectives of these courses are to develop self-confidence, to help
individuals confront fears and to increase their propensity for risk taking.
Group initiatives, or low ropes courses (Baldwin, Wagner, & Roland,
1991), consist of a series of group problem-solving activities. Baldwin et
al. (1991) indicated that low ropes courses create changes in group
climate but do not change self-concept. The third type, wilderness-based
activities, is presented as a multi-day expedition. The objectives of
wilderness programs are team building, communication, trust, and group
cohesion.
Most of the activities in Thai OBET are a combination of low
ropes and wilderness-based activities, not high ropes activities. The
expected results from OBET are team building, communication,
problem solving, and group cohesion, rather than self-development. STP
Walk Rally was originally used for team building only. Later, the
program was applied to new employee orientation, improving job
satisfaction, and improving participants’ skills in areas such as
leadership, management, and decision making. These objectives are
different from most U.S. OBETs’ objectives. In the U.S., OBET is often
used for individual development and to increase self-esteem (Wagner,
Baldwin, & Roland, 1991).
OBET has many other names. In this article, OBET will be used to
represent any outdoor-based experiential training. “Walk Rally” is the
most popular word for OBET in Thailand. In this article, STP Walk
Rally will be used to refer to the specific STP program, while OBET
will be used to refer to the general training approach.
OBET programs vary substantially from trainer to trainer. Ibbetson
(1993) stated that the essence of OBET is to use simulated outdoor
initiative activities as direct metaphors for many everyday occurrences.
In this paper, OBET means a process that uses hands-on challenges or
adventures, usually in the outdoors, combined with review and feedback,
to improve workplace performance.
STP Walk Rally
STP Walk Rally is an experiential training program intended to
enable trainees to have insights through learning by doing. Kijyanyong
(1997) defined “Walk Rally” as an activity that provides trainees with
self-experience and self-learning under competitive situations. STP
Walk Rally is adapted from European Orienteering, Group Dynamics,
and Japanese Walk Rally.
Orienteering
“Orienteering is land navigation by the use of a topographical map
and compass” (NAGWS, 1976, p. 162). In STP Walk Rally, maps are
used to direct the walk. To win the rally, participants have to work in
teams. They are expected to help each other by reading the map and
controlling the time. Teams have to get to checkpoints at a specific time.
Group Dynamics
Group Dynamics is the study of the interrelationships between
participants of a group, how the group is formed, and how it reacts to
other groups. Mathes (1968) stated that group dynamics describes what
is happening in all groups at all times whether or not the participants
recognize it. In STP Walk Rally, participants’ behaviors are videotaped
and are observed by facilitators. The tapes are played back to the
participants. The participants are then encouraged to give feedback on
their feelings and the changes that they have seen during the course.
Japanese Walk Rally
Shigeru Kobayashi developed a teaching technique called Walk
Rally in the 1960s. Japanese Walk Rally is an OBET program that
enhances collaboration and team building. The participants are divided
into teams of about 8 to 10 people. The participants on each team are
paired and each pair works together to obtain a score. The pairs’ scores
are added to get the team’s total score. The team that has the highest
score wins. This same system is used in the Thai STP Walk Rally.
STP Walk Rally’s Characteristics
The main objectives of STP Walk Rally are to have participants
learn through experiential learning activities how to develop themselves,
as well as how to understand other people in order to work together.
These objectives are similar to the T-Group objectives that focus on
learning about self and others (Rothwell, Sullivan, & McLean, 1995).
Each STP Walk Rally session consists of 40 to 50 participants. The
participants should represent a variety of ages, genders, functions, and
positions within a company. The program takes three days, including
one day of traveling because the program is held at a remote site.
However, STP Walk Rally can be tailored to meet the needs of different
organizations or groups. STP Walk Rally can be divided into two
phases: classroom training that prepares the participants to work in
teams and experiential activities with participant involvement.
Phase I. In the half-day classroom-training phase, an instructor
presents information about team building. Participants work in teams to
set goals and objectives for their teams. Trainers use ice-breakers,
games, psychological tests, and indoor experiential learning activities as
alternative facilitation methods.
Phase II. Th experiential phase lasts one-and-a-half days. In this
session, STP Walk Rally serves as a vehicle for practicing skills learned
during Phase I. There are two rounds of walks. Before the first round,
each team receives a map, time sheet, and set of rules. On the map are
hints written in poems to lead the team from one checkpoint to the next.
The team members decide which direction they should go. At each
checkpoint, all team members have to report to a Walk Rally facilitator.
They are presented with a challenge. Each team has to complete the
challenge before they proceed to the next point. The participants’
behaviors are videotaped. At the end of the walk, participants are given
an hour to reflect on what they have learned. This is followed by a
debrief session with STP facilitators. The winning team is announced
and presented with a trophy.
The second round of the Walk Rally starts on the last day.
Participants remain in the same teams. The second round is similar to the
first round, but it has different activities and checkpoints. The challenges
are more complicated. At the end of this session, debriefing is again
provided. Participants are given time for self-reflection. They exchange
feedback in person with their team members, thanking them and telling
them what they would like them to improve in the future. From personal
experience, most of the feedback is positive. There are two trophies for
the second round, one for the winning team and one for the mostimproved
team.
STP Walk Rally Evaluation
Since no research has been done on STP Walk Rally, it is difficult
to assess whether or not the program can bring about ch
การแปล กรุณารอสักครู่..
