I’m convinced that for training to be valued in an organization, participants must have “skin in the game.” What does that mean exactly? Here are my thoughts…..

Requirement – The knowledge learned in the training must be a requirement. So….no more training without testing for real learning. Participants must show that they have learned what the training offers.  It’s part of the job, like any other objective that must be attained.

Effort – Training isn’t a “brain dump” of knowledge or skill. Participants must put in effort to attain the learning. Pre-work must be completed before participants get the privilege of attending class. (And, trainers, the pre-work must be relevant and valuable. No exercises in futility.)

Demonstration – Evaluation of actual demonstration of the skill or knowledge learned must be built into the training design. (Think Kirkpatrick’s Level 3 Evaluation.) Participants are expected to actually do what we have taught them. No excuses. How do you create “skin in the game?” Let us know your thoughts.

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Does Your Organization Value Training?

by Linda Farley on December 7, 2012

People in organizations that don’t value training:

• Say they are “too busy” to attend training.
• Accept lack of participation in training classes as the norm.
• Don’t discuss or reinforce learning from training on job.
• Complain that training is a waste of time.

 

Compare that to the behavior of an organization that values training:

• People attend training when they are scheduled.
• People actively participate in training classes.
• Learning is reinforced on the job by supervisors and managers.
• Training teaches skills and techniques that are recognized as useful on the job.

What behaviors do you notice that indicates your organization values training? Click on “comments” below and share with us.

 

 

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Interactive Webinars

November 30, 2012

If it is not interactive, I might as well just watch a recording of it! How do you engage your audience during webinars so that they actually dedicate the time to pay attention and learn? Consider the following tips: 1. Change slides approximately every 5 seconds. 2. Ask participants to annotate slides with their ideas [...]

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Freeing Training Hostages

November 15, 2012

Do you have training participants who are “forced” to be in class, with no desire to attend? Here are some ideas to prevent participants from feeling like they are being held hostage in training sessions: 1. Position training as a positive: Far in advance of the sessions, provide information to the organization about upcoming training. [...]

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Why I Still Believe in ADDIE

November 5, 2012

In training circles, ADDIE stands for the steps in the instructional design process: Analysis – This is the first step, understanding exactly what the organization needs in relation to the training you are creating. It is often referred to as a Needs Assessment. Design – Designing usually entails a design document or outline of the [...]

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Adventures of Ted and Tina Trainer – ADDIE?

October 30, 2012

     

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Adventures of Ted and Tina Trainer – How is Your Instructional Design Process?

October 24, 2012
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10 Webinar Tips

November 1, 2011

If you are teaching via webinar, you have a special challenge to make the experience as engaging and valuable as face to face learning. Here are some tips to make your webinars interesting and effective: 1. Change your first slide within 5 seconds of beginning the webinar. This attracts the attention of the participants quickly. [...]

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How Kinesthetic is Your Kinesthetic?

October 4, 2011

Good training thrives on variety. Trainers know that getting people up and moving around can create a “break” that helps stimulate learning. Whenever learning involves physical activity, we call it “kinesthetic” or “tactile” learning. What we often don’t think about is just how involved the physical activity might be and how much that involvement stimulates [...]

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What Would You Title This Cartoon?

October 4, 2011

This cartoon is by my fav cartoonist, Ted Goff. Check his cartoons out at: tedgoff.com I thought of a few titles for this illustration: *Always remain in control *A classroom gone mad *All wrapped up in the topic This cartoon has a many lessons for trainers! Enter your email address: Delivered by FeedBurner

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