“Be a lamp, a lifeboat or a ladder.” Rumi
I love training! I enjoy the analytical process of assessing needs and determining learning objectives. It is fun to create engaging learning activities. And it is a true honor and pleasure to facilitate learning in others and to learn from them.
So, whenever someone is interested in going into training, I want to strongly encourage them. I also want them to be successful, so these are some of my words of wisdom:
- Remember that training is about the learner, not you.
- Do everything you can to set the learners up for success: have clear learning objectives; do your research so the information and techniques you are teaching are up to date; use a variety of learning activities that achieve the desired learning levels and meet the needs of the different learning styles.
- Get experience in the real world, so that you are credible when you stand in front of a group.
- Remember that their collective expertise often far exceeds yours, so never waste participants’ time and insult their intelligence by telling them something that some of them may already know- ask questions first, rather than telling them. You can always fill in any gaps.
- Launch them on a voyage of self-discovery: give them ample opportunities to share their perspectives and to practice what they’ve learned in the classroom.
- Build their confidence in their own competence.
- Value what you learn from your participants.
- Instill in your participants a love of and joy in learning. That is one of the greatest gifts you can give.
What else would you add?
Janis Taylor of Philips added this: “Make every effort to hold your training event in a pleasant room, with windows.”
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
