The Trainers Handbook

THE REVISED AND UPDATED ESSENTIAL TRAINER′S RESOURCE!

The Trainer′s Handbook is the classic resource trainers internal or external, full–time or part–time have come to rely on for designing, developing, and delivering effective and memorable training. It offers a comprehensive and systematic approach to developing training skills and competencies. Thoroughly revised and updated, this fourth edition addresses the increasing demands on learning and development professionals as they grapple with issues of globalization, rapidly changing technology, and a more sophisticated and diverse group of learners that has changed the way knowledge and skills are transferred to the workplace. This new edition includes expanded information on cultural differences, reveals how differences impact training, and suggests tips and techniques for training across cultures. Training in tough economic times receives special consideration and the text also explores storytelling as a leadership and training tool. And because today′s trainers are called upon to deliver training in many ways, the text also includes a structured, efficient approach to on–the–job training.

Designed as a practical resource, The Trainer′s Handbook is filled with helpful checklists, forms, and specific activities that can be put to use right now to design, develop, and deliver your own exceptional training programs. In addition, the book′s website makes it a snap to print the tables and exhibits that are included in the text.

Filled with the knowledge and a proven framework The Trainer′s Handbook gives you the power to deliver useful information in an accessible way and create specialized instructional plans for groups, distance learning, and active training programs.

List of Tables, Exhibits, and Figures

Acknowledgments

Preface

Part I Training Fundamentals

1. Assessing Needs

Learning Outcomes

Understanding Needs Assessment

Needs–Assessment Process

How to Conduct a Needs Assessment

Developing an Action Plan

Assessing Participants Knowledge, Attitudes, Skills

Key Points

2. Understanding Adult Learners

Learning Outcomes

Andragogical versus Pedagogical

How and Why People Learn

Learning Styles

Application of Learning Principles

Key Points

3. Training Styles

Learning Outcomes

Trainer Characteristics and Competencies

Training Style

Learner–Centered versus Information–Centered

Key Elements of a Trainer′s Style

Key Points

4. Understanding Today s Learner

Learning Outcomes

The Changing Training Environment

Self–Awareness

Diversity Issues

Key Points

5. Writing Instructional Objectives

Learning Outcomes

What Are Learning Objectives?

Writing Learning Outcomes

Key Points

6. Writing an Instructional Plan

Learning Outcomes

Instructional Plan Overview

Creating a Design Matrix

Creating a Detailed Instructional Plan

Instructional Methods

Developing Materials

Key Points

7. Selecting, Designing, and Developing Active–Training Methods

Learning Outcomes

The Case for Active Training

Cooperative Learning

Creating an Active–Learning Environment

Designing Active–Training Activities

Common Methods and Materials

Alternatives to Lecture

Experiential Learning Activities

Key Points

8. Delivering Training

Learning Outcomes

Creating a Positive Learning Environment

Experiential Learning Cycle

Tips for Using Specific Methods

Improving Platform Presence

Key Points

9. Using Visual Aids

Learning Outcomes

Retention Rate in Visual Learning

Reasons to Use Visual Aids

Guidelines for Using Visual Aids

Using Flip Charts

Using Videos and Video Clips

Key Points

10. Working with Groups

Learning Outcomes

The Trainer as Facilitator

Ways to Encourage Participation

The Art of Asking Questions

Responding to Questions

Scaling the Wall of Resistance

Problem Situations

Key Points

11. Using Creativity

Learning Outcomes

Creativity with Small Groups

Props and Other Theatrical Techniques

Using Games

Creative Closings

Key Points

12. Evaluating Training

Learning Outcomes

Evaluation Basics

Four–Level Model for Training Evaluation

Participant Evaluation and Accountability for e–Learning

Accountability for Training

Significance of the Evaluation Process

Key Points

Part II Special Training Considerations

13. Training across Cultures

Learning Outcomes

Globalization of Businesses and People

Culture and Cultural Dimensions

Becoming Culturally Intelligent

Practical Application

Key Points

14. Storytelling as a Training Technique

Learning Outcomes

The Value of Storytelling

Types of Stories

Telling Personal Stories

Capturing Your Personal Story

How to Tell Your Story

Key Points

15. Using Technology in Training

Learning Outcomes

Workplace Trends

Advantages/Benefits of Distance Learning

Disadvantages/Drawbacks to Distance Learning

Types of Distance Learning

Guidelines for Designing Distance Learning

Designing and Developing Activities

Delivering Content and Activities

Key Points

16. Training On the Job

Learning Outcomes

The Need for Structured On–the–Job Training

Selecting the Trainer

Developing an Instructional Plan

On–the–Job Training Model

Evaluating On–the–Job Training

Key Points

17. Training During Tough Times

Learning Outcomes

Prove the Value of Training

Methods to Stretch Training Dollars

Technology–Based Delivery Methods

Just–in–Time Materials

Key Points

18. The Business of Consulting: Internal and External

Learning Outcomes

The Changing Role of the Trainer

The Client–Consultant Relationship

Developing a Proposal

Setting Clear Expectations

Selecting an External Consultant

After the Project

Key Points

Appendix A Answers to Exercises

Appendix B Recommended Resources

Appendix C Criteria for Selecting Packaged Programs

References

Index

About the Author

KAREN LAWSON, PHD, is an international consultant, speaker, and author. As founder and president of Lawson Consulting Group, Inc., she is the author of Leadership Development Basics, The Art of Influencing, Improving Workplace Performance Through Coaching, Improving On–the–Job Training and Coaching, SkillBuilders: 50 Communication Skills Activities, New Employee Orientation Training, and Involving Your Audience Make It Active. She is coauthor of 101 Ways to Make Training Active (first edition) and has published dozens of articles in professional journals.