Job aids are checklists or memory-joggers, what the French call aides-memoire. A common example of a job aid is the preflight checklist used by an airline pilot. With its low cost and its solution to a potential life-and-death performance problem, it is a perfect example of the potential ROI (return on investment) for even low-tech job aids. In factories, job aids—called process sheets—display manufacturing specs. There are also electronic job aids, including electronic performance support systems (EPSS), online drop-down lists or instruction sheets, and online help. As part of a larger knowledge management system, job aids can contain mission-critical procedures to follow, and avoid costly mistakes.
Inside every fat course is a thin job aid crying to get out.
—Joe Harless, 1970
The most important function of job aids is to link training to practice. Job aids contain the key facts and procedures that need to be reinforced on the job. Doubt the value of job aids? Just walk down any row of cubicles and note the flowcharts, wall charts, and list of procedures on the cubicle walls. Most of these are job aids and quick reference tools, and the only living reminder of trainings delivered months earlier.
For a small tool, a job aid provides large benefits. A job aid is:
Effective—pinpoints critical procedures
Fast—instant access
Low Cost—more impact per dollar than any other training technology
Updatable—whether hardcopy or electronic
What other performance improvement tool can match these criteria all at once? The field for job aids is endless and untapped.
1967 | Albert Chalupsky and T. Kopf: Job Performance Aids and Their Impact on Manpower Utilization. |
1970 | Joe Harless: An Ounce of Analysis Is Worth a Pound of Objectives. Includes consideration of job aids. |
1980 | Claude Lineberry and D. Bullock: Job Aids. |
1991 | Allison Rossett and Jeannette Gautier-Downes: A Handbook of Job Aids. One of the classic texts. |
1999 | Saundra Williams: Performance Support Systems and Job Aids. |
See also Knowledge Management Learning Objects Electronic Performance Support Systems