Maximize Classroom Training With Meaningful Train-the-trainer Programs
Training has come a long way from relying on traditional lecture-based classroom sessions to offering a rich menu of learner-centered options for delivery. However, in many cases, an instructor-led training session is still the best way to engage workers. When you’ve spent valuable resources creating a program and identifying or hiring a trainer, you want to see the return on investment (ROI). Be sure to plan to maximize your instructor-led program with comprehensive and effective train-the-trainer sessions.
Learners expect a high quality, engaging and memorable instructor-led training experience when they invest their time and energy in attending it, so make sure that the instructor is as prepared and capable as possible to deliver that experience. Not all instructors are naturally gifted at delivery, but most can improve with practice and time. Other trainers may be great with facilitation but have a poor grasp of the content, and others may be subject matter experts (SMEs) who can’t manage a classroom. Investing in a quality train-the-trainer session can maximize the effectiveness of your instructor-led course.
Preparation for an ILT course may consist of several methods, but an official train-the-trainer session should always be a priority to ensure a quality delivery experience in line with business goals and course objectives. Sending course materials to a trainer and expecting him or her to show up for a pilot or first session presents great risk to both the learning experience and the resources you’ve invested in pulling together that class.
'An official train-the-trainer session should always be a priority to ensure a quality delivery experience'.
A train-the-trainer program can help ensure that you’ve given the trainer the opportunity to practice and demonstrate that he or she is ready for success. Train-the-trainer sessions can take a variety of formats, and it’s important to choose the appropriate format for your situation. Here are a few methods to consider.
Course Review
If you know the trainer well and feel they can confidently deliver the message and content as designed, they may only need to review the new course or updated material informally with the instructional design team. The trainer can walk through the materials and ask questions while the instructional designers point out key ideas or tips for conducting the activities. This approach may save time, but it will not allow the trainer to practice most of the delivery, so use it for smaller courses or trainers who are familiar with most of the content.
Teach-back
If the trainer is experienced with some of the content and just needs practice in how to lead the activities for the audience, you may want to use the teach-back method. In this format, the trainer studies the course in advance of a scheduled train-the-trainer session, during which they deliver the course to a small audience consisting of instructional designers, lead trainers, managers and SMEs and receive feedback.
If the trainer is experienced with some of the content and just needs practice, consider the teach-back method.
This approach allows the trainer to practice with a small live audience and see how the group responds to their interpretation of the content and instructions. It also gives the audience the opportunity to gauge the trainer’s understanding of the content, timing for activities, and the types of questions and discussions that might arise. It is more useful for both the instructor and the audience than modeling or course review, but it will require more preparation time for both parties. Additionally, if for some reason any members of the invited audience do not attend, it may limit the effectiveness of the session.
