….TOT218 Structuring-Designing-Planning

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TOT-218
Structuring, Designing and Planning

Note: The objective of this blog post is to assist those engaged in training others in mediation by providing essential techniques and skills. For earlier blog posts, please visit totim.law.blog.

A trainer must have a reasonable understanding of each of these three elements of training.
The success of every session depends, to a great extent, on these key components. The trainer must spend quality time on each of them while preparing for every session.

1. Structuring:

Structuring is primarily about deciding on the content to be delivered and organizing it in a logical sequence. It involves placing the various components of a session in a clear framework. It is similar to creating a blueprint for a building, with clearly identified rooms.

Example:-
Introduction – Theory – Concepts – Practical Inputs –  Conclusion – Receiving Feedback/Question & Answer Session

Advantages of Structuring:

• It provides a framework for the trainer to follow: what needs to be done, when, how, and where.
• It ensures the session progresses in a logical order.
• Participants get a complete and coherent picture.
• It creates a connection between different parts of the session.
• Each part complements the others.

2. Designing:

If an analogy can be given, designing a session is like decorating or furnishing a room. During the design phase, the trainer decides what to include in the session and how it will be useful to the participants.

While designing the session, the trainer focuses on:

i) The method of delivery – facilitation, lecture, etc.
ii) Choice of training methods – role plays, storytelling, simulation exercises, narratives, etc.
iii) What will keep adult learners engaged.
iv) What will be most relevant to the learners.

3. Planning a Session:

Planning involves deciding on the timing and logistics of the session.
To use an analogy, it is like preparing to move into a newly built house—imagining how to pack and place everything you’ve decided to bring in.

In the context of training, planning includes:

• Setting a time schedule for each activity
• Preparing and organizing required materials
• Having Plan A and Plan B in place to manage challenges or contingencies
• Assigning roles and coordinating with co-trainers, participants, or technical staff

Failure in any of these three components can negatively impact a trainer’s professional credibility.

Advantages of Structuring, Designing, and Planning:

1. The trainer can work with confidence.
2. There is a clearly identified roadmap (Structuring).
3. The trainer knows what needs to be done and when (Designing).
4. The trainer is equipped with tools and techniques and is prepared for challenges (Planning).
5. The trainer’s professionalism is evident from beginning to end.

“A Place for everything and everything in place”.

– Mrs. Beeton, English journalist, editor, and writer.

S.Susheela

 (All copyrights reserved by the author S. Susheela)

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