Learn tips and techniques for effective workplace training. Show
All the planning has been done. All the preparation is taken care of. You know your training needs, you’ve set goals, management is behind you, you promoted your training schedule, and prepared materials, space, and people. The time has finally come: Training day is here. Here are some specific tips and techniques to help you run an effective training session that accomplishes your goals in an enjoyable and engaging way for everyone involved. Here are 12 proven techniques to conduct a successful training session:
These 12 steps are the basic foundation for a solid training session that runs efficiently and that conveys the necessary information for meeting the session’s goals. They also incorporate ways to begin improving training on the fly. In other words, you can’t go wrong by following these steps in every training session you run. It is possible, however, to get a little more creative—and memorable—by using some of the following innovative techniques. Make Training MemorableHere are some softer training methods that are not necessarily essential to conveying information, but that can make receiving data or instructions a much more enjoyable experience, which will keep trainees involved and help them retain more information.
Training Day ChecklistHere’s a handy last-minute checklist to make sure everything is ready for your training session: □ Dress appropriately. Use your audience analysis to figure out what to wear. In general, match your manner of dress to that of your trainees—or go slightly more professional. □ Arrive early. Give yourself time to check last-minute arrangements and get yourself mentally geared up for the session. □ Check seating arrangements. Make sure the set-up is ideal for the training style you want to use and have some extra chairs for any last-minute trainees. □ Check room temperature. Adjust it appropriately for the number of people who will be in the room and the size of the space you will all be occupying. □ Check audiovisual hardware. Conduct one last run-through to make sure everything is still running smoothly. □ Check electrical outlets. Make sure all your connections are safe. Don’t trail cords across walkways or overload surge protector strips. □ Check light switches. Know which switches work which lights so you can achieve the ideal lighting for audiovisual materials and note-taking. □ Check window-darkening equipment. Make sure blinds or shades are working properly. □ Check arrangements. Make sure you have everything you need—including the training space for the entire time you need it. □ Lay out classroom supplies. If you will be demonstrating tools or equipment, make sure you have everything you need. □ Lay out course materials. Decide whether to put handouts on a table for trainees to pick up on the way in or to lay them at every seat. These are all effective techniques for running a successful session, but what kind of person does it take to do the training? The best trainers have several qualities that make them good at what they do. Check the list below to see which qualities you already possess—and to determine which areas you could improve. Qualities of Effective TrainersWhile some of these qualities are obviously necessary for anyone in a teaching position, others may not seem as necessary, such as being patient or open-minded. All of these attributes, however, contribute to making top-notch trainers. All the best trainers are:
Classroom or Instructor-Led TrainingThis is still the most popular training method because of its personal interaction and flexibility. Here are tips for getting the most out of classroom learning:
How to Use HandoutsWell-designed handouts serve many useful functions in a training session—but only if they are well thought out and used appropriately. Here’s how to create helpful handouts and make the most effective use of them during training:
Perfect PowerPoint®PowerPoint presentations are one of the most popular and powerful training tools in use today. As with any tool, there’s a right way and a wrong to use it—and the tool’s effectiveness is directly proportional to the way it is used. Here’s how to get the most effective use of PowerPoint presentations:
Training PitfallsIn an ideal world, training will always be successful. There are ways that training can go wrong, however, and forewarned is forearmed. According to a 2001 strategic planning workshop on human capital sponsored by the National Institute of Environmental Health Sciences’ (NIEHS) Worker Education and Training Program (WETP), there are several possible problems that can lead to either trainer burnout and/or a less-than-successful training program. Here’s what can go wrong, along with ways to make it right: How Trainers Develop Burnout
How to Keep Trainers Fresh
Why Training Programs Fail
How to Make Your Training Program Succeed
Which of the following is the simplest method to evaluate a training program?One of the easiest ways to evaluate training programs is to ask the participants for their feedback.
What is the most common training delivery method for formally training employees?ON-THE-JOB TRAINING. The most common method of training, on-the-job training (OJT) uses more experienced and skilled employees to train less skilled and experienced employees. OJT takes many forms and can be supplemented with classroom training.
What term refers to training and development programs and courses that are developed and organized by one's employer?What is the term that refers to training and development programs and courses that are developed and organized by one's employer? formal training.
What is the most significant organizational outcome of training and development programs?Training and development helps companies gain and retain top talent, increase job satisfaction and morale, improve productivity and earn more profit. Additionally, businesses that have actively interested and dedicated employees see 41 percent lower absenteeism rates, and 17 percent higher productivity.
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