Effective Training Methods

MABS Technical Resource SpecialistsMABS Technical Resource Specialists

Training and Accreditation ProgramTraining and Accreditation Program

Objectives

• At the end of the session, the participants are expected to have learned the following:

–Different training delivery methods

–Appropriate methods to use for a certain type of training activity

–Good Posture

–Good gestures

Training Delivery Methods: Lecture

Advantages: Easy to prepare & deliverSuitable to a large audienceConvey info in a short-timeTime-frame easy to determine

Tip:

Plan the opening, main body and closing sections of the lecture.

Disadvantages:Minimal participationTrainer-centered than trainee- centeredTends to bore audiencesRequires thorough planningPoor audience learning retention

Group Discussion

Advantages:More participative than lectureSurface values and opinions wellDemocratic in approachDistribution of learning responsibilityTips:

Be clear on what needs to be done from the start. Summarize towards the end.

Disadvantages:Not effective for large groupRequires good facilitatorTime management may be a problemMay engender conflict/dominance

Lecture-Discussion

Combine lecture with interactive discussion with trainees. It improves the lecture by asking questions that make the audience think about ideas or concepts being presented. Allows individual participation even with large training programs.

Role Play

Advantages:Provides meaningful first-

hand experience.Develops understanding

of opposing viewsFun, innovative,

entertainingHighly creative and

imaginative Elicits broad discussion

during processing

Tip:

Always use observers

Disadvantages:Situations limited to simple onesDifficult to use properly

Advantages:

DevelopmentalIndividualizedReadily applicable on the jobHolistic and realisticFeedback process is

continuous

On-the-Job Training/Coaching

A one-on-one continuous mentoring approach

Tips:Clarify expectations at the start. Provide structure, feedback and assessment

Disadvantages:Time-consuming and costlyNeeds skilled mentorUsed only in limited circumstancesGood rapport between mentor and understudy is essential

Demonstration

Advantages:Direct, easy,clear to

followLearning by example Realistic, readily

applicableSuitable in skill or

technical trainingJob-related

A show-tell-follow-check approach to learning

Tip :

Follow the tell-do-ask-practice approach

Disadvantages:

Not everyone can be accommodated in hands-on

Advantages:Suitable for right or wrong situationsMaximum participationApplicable on the job

Disadvantages:Needs effective case textMore time needed to read, discuss, answer and report.

Case StudyControlled Group Discussion Based on a Written Text

Tips:

Pre-test the case when possible

Provide not only text but guide questions/ tasks

Fit contents to trainees needs/ organizations

Games and Simulations

Advantages:Fun and enjoyableAllows full participationSurfaces values and attitudes well

Animated activities to generate fun in learning

Disadvantages:Learning may be sidetrackedLearning outcomes vary in consistencySome are unparticipative

Which Training Methods Should

You Use?To transfer

knowledge:Group discussion LectureGroup or individual

exercisesForumsPanel DiscussionsFilm, video, etc.

To practice problem- solving:

Case studiesBrainstormingDiscussion GroupsExercises, etc.

Which Training Methods Should

You Use?To develop skills:demonstrations for

manual skillsrole playing for

interpersonal skillspeer teachingprogrammed

instructions, etc.

To change attitudes:

role playingindividual exercisesdemonstrationscampaigns, etc.

SOME TIPS FOR INSTRUCTORS/ TRAINORS

Tips for Instructors

Before the Session:

1.As instructor, dress appropriately (i.e. no slippers, shorts, revealing outfits) to command credibility. For clothing, very bright colors are not recommended as this may distract participants from the course material.

Tips for Instructors2. Arrive well in advance of the participants to

check the following room conditions and equipment: Table and chairs sufficient and set up as desired (consider

a U-shape for maximum viewing and interaction). Copies of training schedule and materials. Ensure appropriate air circulation in the room. Refreshments (i.e. drinks, snacks) Test equipment. Overhead projector machine in place and

working. (Be sure the cord is out of the way. Tape it down where people may walk.)

Tips for Instructors

3. Know your subject thoroughly Write it out and reduce it to cards Write opening and closing sentences

3. Be conscious of time. Your invitation to the participants should include course duration, as well as, what time the course will start and end. During the training, make sure you are within the time limits of each module.

Tips for Instructors

During discussions:

1. Discussions are an important aspect of adult learning; they encourage involvement and reflection and result in better understanding and retention of information.

Tips for Instructors

2. Give each participant an opportunity to express his or her views, but be sure to keep the discussion on tract.

Ask for ideas and offer suggestions

If there is a lull in the discussion, or nobody know what quite to add, you can provide an idea or example of your own.

Draw people out when they are reluctant to participate

Tips for Instructors

Maintain or enhance self-esteem. Listen and respond with empathy Example: After someone speaks up, you might want to

add confidence by saying something like “that’s a good point,” or “good idea!”

3. Check for understanding. Clarify when questions may be asked (either during or after presentation.)

4. Manage time by presenting the agenda beforehand so participants know what to expect. Use a timer to remind or signal you to wind up each session.

Presentation TechniquesUse of Overhead Projector1. Once you focus the projector before participants

arrive you should not have to adjust it again. When you think the machine is in focus, walk to the back of the room and look at the screen to check if the acetates can be seen clearly.

2. While you are teaching, do not stand directly in front of the screen, or the image will be projected on you as well. Stand to one side of it, and do not turn around to look at it.

Presentation Techniques

Use of Overhead Projector

3. If you wish to point out something on a particular overhead, do so by using a pen or other object to point to the appropriate area on the transparency itself, on the bed of the projector.

PosturesPosture and the way a presenter conducts

himself on the platform is an important part of a good presentation. Stand up straight and face the audience

head-on. Keep posture open with arms relaxed and

hanging down at your sides. Hold head up high with your chin up.

Trainer GesturesGestures, a form of body language, are also

a part of your overall visual picture. They are visual reinforcements of the

words and ideas the trainer is trying to communicate to his audience.

They include hand, arm, and head movements and can enhance your presentation or detract from it.

Effective Gestures

Effective gestures are spontaneous but not distracting

Movements are broad and flowing, not fast and jerky

Nodding of head and smiling are effective ways to emphasize a point

Gestures to Avoid

• Finger pointing and fist raising can be interpreted as hostile or threatening

• Crossing hands behind the back

• Crossing arms over chest believing it appears relaxed and confident.

• Hands inside the pocket

• Clasping hands in folded position

Common Trainer Problems

What’s wrong?

No eye contact

• Participants feel alone and neglected.

• You look scared and uncomfortable.

• Students lose trust in the trainer.

• You lose credibility and appear dishonest.

• No personal connection is made.

They Can’t Hear You

• Audiences withdraw when they can’t hear the trainer.

• Listening to a trainer speaking too loudly conjures up uncomfortable childhood memories of being yelled at; it’s demeaning.

• When you speak too loudly, you may spit on trainees.

• Speaking too loudly or too softly is irritating and interferes with learning.

This is My Life

• You run the risk of entering the Tangent Zone.

• Participants perceive your ego to be bigger that Mt. Everest.

• Program focus gets lost.

• It feels like you’re wasting their time.

• Or, maybe you just like to hear yourself to talk.

Speech Tics

• “Speech tics” are annoying to the audience.

• Repetitive sounds get old and boring fast.

• Trainees get easily distracted.

• They will start counting your “speech tics.”

• Some people will make fun of you.

• You decrease your believability

Silly Screw-ups

• Your credibility is shot.

• You appear absent-minded.

• Your organization skills are questioned.

• Time is wasted fixing the mistakes.

• If the video is wrong, you have to fill that time with something else.

Getting in their Faces

• This behavior can be threatening/antagonistic.

• Participants may become embarrassed.

• It violates their comfort zones.

• There is potential for starting fights.

• It distracts from what is being said.

• You might spit on others and swap germs.

• It’s too intimate (and intimidating) for some.

Cutting off Questions• You don’t listen to questions.

• You begin to answer questions before askers are finished.

• You disregard questions and keep going.

• You say, “We’ll get to that later.” and hope you will.

• You act like their questions are beneath the dignity of an answer.

• You tell them to ask questions at the end, and then run out time.

Slideswiping

• The overhead projector, as a training tool, is abused.

• Participants are likely to go sleep.

• Swiping slides is a lazy way to present information.

• Retention and application are reduced.

How to Overcome Stage Fright

1. Plan as if your life depended on it.

2. Get rid of last-minute butterflies.

3. Transform anxiety to excitement

4. Practice, practice, practice

Other Tips

• Mix your media

• Correlate training with reality

• Have data at your fingertips

• Play-it-by ear

• Friendly facial expression

• Keep your sense of humor