The Term "Learning Curve"
The Term "Learning Curve"
(OP)
My idea of the "learning curve" is a plot of time between repetitions of a task vs. repetition number. This would look something like a hyperbola or exp(-t).
Thus, in early repetitions, one is high up on a steep portion of the curve (long time between iterations), and as time goes on, the region of the curve you are on flattens as it asymptotically approaches some limit.
What is the traditional understanding? What is the consensus?
William
Thus, in early repetitions, one is high up on a steep portion of the curve (long time between iterations), and as time goes on, the region of the curve you are on flattens as it asymptotically approaches some limit.
What is the traditional understanding? What is the consensus?
William





RE: The Term "Learning Curve"
RE: The Term "Learning Curve"
where i've worked management (curse them !) made the mistake of changing the crew all the time, and then were surprised when the hours didn't go down ... maybe after the nth iteration the crew were back to their starting places, and maybe remembered how it was done !
RE: The Term "Learning Curve"
Then, there is repetition; you pick up what you have forgotten and you learn what you didn't pick up during basic training. Your skills take a jump upwards - there is a steep portion of the learning curve again.
Next time you are trained, you will probably learn more advanced techniques and there will be another step in the learning curve. And so it goes on. Some will develop more and deeper skills on their own; they are becoming experts. Some move to other fields and their skills will vanish. Their curve droops again.
A steep learning curve, in my eyes, means that something is easily learnt. Be it because the subject is easy, the teacher is good or the pupil bright. Or a combination.
Gunnar Englund
www.gke.org
RE: The Term "Learning Curve"
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Learning_curve
If you've never used the Wikipedia, I highly recommend adding it to your bookmarks.
Edward L. Klein
Pipe Stress Engineer
Houston, Texas
"All the world is a Spring"
All opinions expressed here are my own and not my company's.
RE: The Term "Learning Curve"
My $0.02:
Steep learning curve = learning alot whether it's easy or not in a short period of time.
*Without data, you're just another person with an opinion.*
Hydroformer
RE: The Term "Learning Curve"
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