Developing a Training Plan

A training plan is a detailed document that guides the planning and delivery of instruction. Whether training people one-on-one or in groups, in person or online, a well developed training plan allows you to prepare for and deliver thorough and effective classes. Connecting Needs with Objectives - Define the needs of the trainees and devise methods to engage and facilitate the learning process - Organize activities that will appeal to the various learning styles of the participants and focus material on objective Connecting Training objectives with Methods - Align training methods with the training objectives creating multiple opportunities for trainees to demonstrate, perform and present material. For example, performing tasks that will allow trainees to familiarize themselves with the process. - To have trainees demonstrate their understanding of how the parts fit into the whole - An assessment that measures how well trainees have mastered the methods Conducting Research Read Articles, periodicals and newsletters to keep up to date with new knowledge as well as new experiences and techniques. Develop Training Content - Training content is information, definition, description, concepts and skills that you present to the trainees - Place more emphasis on skills development by editing material geared towards training objectives i.e. action steps that allows trainees to master tasks - Develop general key points then narrow down to specific objectives Determine Training time Frames - Assess the skills that you want to develop and determine a reasonable time frame in which the trainee can achieve this. - Some skills take more time than others and with the budget and time constraints this can be a challenge - The more time allotted for a training session, the more likely you will be able to incorporate appropriate skill practice time, shorter time’s means trainers must rely on the less effective lecture approach. - Some training sessions are conducted in modules to facilitate focus on particular skills in blocks Determine Training Method - Since time is limited the trainer must select a method that is efficient as well as effective - Adults learn better by way of work sheets, structured discussions, videos and reading materials - Smaller training groups of 20 or fewer is best to conduct interactive training where participants practice listening and feedback skills, while role playing, with larger groups is more difficult - Strategically using structured worksheets and dyadic (face to face dialogue involving two persons exchanging ideas) activities large groups can still be interactive Select and Develop Training Materials - Using audiovisual equipment, Power point slides, activities, case studies and role play instructions should be clearly described. - Use a participant’s guide to serve as a resource reference after the training Training Plan Formats There are three formats of training plans and they include: Objectives- A complete statement of all training objectives Training content- A summary of the information you will present either in the lecture, lecture/discussion, video or key information from the participant’s guide Time – An estimate of the amount of time needed for each lecture, activity, video, or other component of the training Method - A clear description of the methods to be used Materials – A brief description of all materials to be used in the training session Descriptive Format Consists of a narrative summary that describes the training content and methods using sub-headings and paragraphs to describe each training element. Outline Format The Training contents are listed and the methods and materials needed in the training are integrated in the list. Multicolumn Format The most structured plan, this format organizes the information in four columns that support each training objective. The four columns include information about time, content, methods and materials. An example of each type is on page 205-206, 207 & 208 respectively. By: Andre Scott