This Tip looks at the problem of managing time limitations for lots of content, beginning by discussing why content needs to be limited.
“We are all faced with a series of great opportunities brilliantly disguised as impossible situations.” Charles Swindoll
Managing Time Limitations for Lots of Content
Companies are doing more with less. As a result, their employees have limited time to spend in training sessions. For this reason, many trainers are frequently charged with what appears to be an impossible expectation: deliver training in a fraction of the time necessary and usually allotted for it.
Two Approaches that Produce Ineffective Learning Results
The bad news is that trainers may react to imposed time limitations in two ways that produce ineffective learning results.
First, trainers eliminate learning activities in order to have more time to lecture on content.
There are at least two problems with this response:
(a) Learning activities are designed to help learners achieve desired levels of learning and competence. Removing the activities will eliminate the opportunities for the learners to demonstrate and practice new learning.
(b) Lecture only achieves the most basic level of learning (knowledge). It also does not meet the needs of many learning styles. Lecturing minimizes the likelihood that learners will achieve the desired learning levels and resulting competencies.
Second, trainers resort to the “fire hose” approach to training.
They spray learners with huge streams of data at one time.
Studies show that the brain can absorb only 3 to 5 new pieces of information per training segment. More than that results in cognitive overload. (A training segment may be 5 minutes, 20 minutes, or more than an hour- whatever amount of time it takes for that specific content to be learned).
When trainers are not selective in the amount of information they deliver, many learners are overwhelmed. Consequently, they can neither learn nor retain much of the information. So these two responses should be avoided.
It’s Time for Spring Cleaning
The good news is that training is still valued. Imposed time constraints offer a great opportunity for trainers to decide what parts of their training are truly essential. In essence, the trainers can do some spring-cleaning, where they throw away clutter and polish up what is left.
Time limitations should compel trainers to distinguish the content. Some content absolutely must be taught in the classroom. Some content can and should be provided for the learners’ later reference. The real challenge and opportunity for a trainer is to sift through the training program. Identify and remove content and learning activities that do not need to be included in the training day.
Use Desired Core Competencies as a Measure
Some trainers have a difficult time with this culling process. This is because they are invested in telling the stories or facilitating the activities that they have always included in their training programs. They need to measure their training content and learning activities against the core competencies that drive the need for the training. They should remove whatever is not essential to successful achievement of those core competencies.
When time limitations are imposed on training programs, don’t eliminate learning activities and subject learners to information overload. Instead, trainers should assess their training programs more closely to eliminate unessential clutter and identify and polish up essential training content.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
