Week 8: Essentials for Planning a Training Session

Subject Knowledge

First principle is “KNOW THE SUBJECT”.

One cannot make others understand that which one has not understood.

Audiences’ Knowledge

Trainer has to go through the bio-data or background of the participants/trainees in advance.

The trainer’s dress, language to be used for communication, the pace in which topics are to be introduced, choice of ice breakers and exercises to be given, contents in role plays, mode of giving feed back, types of questions to be asked, time that may be taken to understand technical concepts etc. are all dependent on trainer’s understanding of the audience. Where the trainer does not get any input on these before structuring the session, within the first few minutes of the session, the trainer should have the capacity to structure the session, on the training floor, suitable to and acceptable by the trainees.

Expectation from the trainees

Depending on the availability of time, the trainer has to allocate some time to understand the expectation of the trainees.

At times, the trainer may have to do a guess work.

Where it is advanced training, and the training schedule is provided well in advance, it is also advisable to prepare a questionnaire and find out from the participants/trainees about their expectations from each of the sessions.

At times trainer has to proceed with the assumption of expectations from the trainees and take their acknowledgment.

Example
Today’s topic is CONFLICT.
In this session, most of you may be expecting to know more about ‘what is conflict, its source, how do we manage, handle and/or resolve conflict etc.’ You may also be expecting to know some practical tips to manage and resolve conflicts.

Methodology

Trainer has to identify which of the following methods would be adapted, and when:

Lecture
Interaction
Role play
Simulation exercise
Story-telling
Examples
Questions
Case history
Group discussion
Slide show
Skits
A combination of one or more methods.

Evaluation

Quick review from the participants after every topic is covered.
Final review at the end of the session.
Through Feedback forms.
Evaluation by the co-trainers and observers.
Self-evaluation.

Every trainer has to prepare separate set of feedback forms for each session.

Advantage of Quick Review

It gives confidence to the trainer that the trainees/participants are moving along with the trainer and they are not lagging behind. It is one of the techniques to take the trainees along with the trainer.

It gives a feeling of satisfaction to the trainees that the trainer is concerned about helping them understand the subject. They feel happy and demonstrate seriousness in learning when they know that their views matter.

Example
Trainer: I explained to you the difference between negotiation and bargaining. I gave you some examples. Have you all understood?
Kindly let me know if anyone has not understood.

Advantage of Final Review

Final review helps the trainer understand whether the participants have understood the concept clearly.

It helps the trainer to bring a synergy between the theoretical and practical knowledge.

It helps the trainer to know the level of understanding of the participants.

Caution: While taking final review, trainer has to identify a suitable person capable of giving proper review.

At times trainer can request a co-trainer also to do this.

Example
Trainer: I explained to you the difference between negotiation and bargaining. I gave you some examples.
Can anyone give me an example of what is negotiation and what is bargaining taking the example of a tenant and a landlord?

Maintaining a personal file

Trainers must keep a personal file with notes on training techniques and skills used by them and other trainers in the past and their individual feedback. They must also make a note of difficulties faced by them or other trainers in adapting a given technique. They must also note the advantage of using a particular technique to bring clarity.