Tip #6: Make training decisions with the learner in mind.

This tip is about the training decisions that increase the probability that learning will occur.  The Mastery Teaching Model explains the three decisions.

Training is a Stream of Professional Decisions

Good training is never static. Instead, it is “a constant stream of professional decisions made before, during and after interaction with the learner. When implemented, these decisions increase the probability of learning.” *

As trainers, we should do our best to stay in touch with the learning needs of our participants. However, this responsibility does not stop after we have conducted a training needs assessment and designed the lesson plan and materials. We also have to be prepared to make additional decisions during the training in order to meet their needs.

Three Categories of Training Decisions

Regardless of who or what is taught, all training decisions fall into three categories:

1. Content [what content to teach next];

2. Learner Activities [what the learner will do to learn and to demonstrate that learning has occurred]; and

3. Trainer Activities [what the trainer will do to facilitate learning, through group facilitation and stand up presentation techniques].

Notice that this is TLC, backwards!

Continually Rethink Our Decisions

We need to continually consider whether we should make new decisions to better meet the learners’ needs.

For example, it might be helpful to:

1.alter the content, perhaps by:

  • inserting new content, or
  • changing the content to a more basic or more advanced level, or
  • deleting content; or

2. use a different learning activity. We can accomplish this if we:

  • change from large group to small group discussion,
  • provide additional examples, or
  • add exercises to check for participant comprehension; or

3:change the learning atmosphere, perhaps by:

  • providing more frequent breaks,
  • inserting humor, or
  • refocusing a more dominant participant, etc.

*This concept is drawn from the Mastery Teaching Model. It was developed by Dr. Madeline Hunter of the University of California at Los Angeles. Its purpose is to increase training effectiveness.

If your trainers would benefit from learning how to design curriculum using the Mastery Teaching Model, please book a call to discuss a tailored train-the-trainer program. https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/

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