Sir, - We welcome the recent announcement by the Government of major increases in research funding, especially in the areas of humanities and the social sciences (The Irish Times, December 1st).
Previous research has given much material to trainers and educators in their work both with adult and younger learners. For example, researchers in the field of motivation, such as Herzberg, Vroom, Maslow and others have led us to a deep understanding of how and why people both learn and work. This in turn has led to the development of training programmes that are focused on the needs of learners and adapted to cope with those needs and also fit into the demands of the workplace.
Other researchers in the areas of learning, such as Kolb and Honey & Mumford, have led us to a greater understanding of the various learning styles people have. Linking this with research on the differing intelligences people demonstrate has led to the development of less static, more learner-centred programmes.
As we move into an era where knowledge is the key resource that people and communities will have, we in the IITD would encourage people to take advantage of these funds and undertake research programmes that will benefit all society. Such research will also guide and direct us in how to maintain and grow our strong economy for the benefit of future generations. - Yours, etc.,
Imelda Graham, Honorary Secretary, The Irish Institute of Training and Development, Herbert Street, Dublin 2.