Designing training is a core skill of good trainers, yet it is one that is not often given proper attention. When learning to be a trainer almost all development is focussed on delivery skills, and design is somehow expected to be ‘picked up’.
Many experienced trainers may also feel that, because they know their subject and are good ‘on their feet’, spending time on design is largely unnecessary and can be kept to a minimum. Good training can only be achieved if proper thought, time and effort have been put into the design of the training, and that thought and effort is recorded.
Quality design goes beyond producing a few slides, half a dozen handouts and a few scribbled trainer notes. Quality design results in a well-structured programme, utilising multi-media and a wide range of brain-friendly learning methods. It results in a robust programme that is built on useful delegate materials, detailed trainer notes and bespoke activities, as well as appropriate pre- and post-course work to aid the transfer of learning.
Giving proper consideration to design means that the training is likely to be better targeted towards the individual and business needs, and aid the effective transfer of learning to the workplace. This is the ultimate goal of training after all!
Some trainers who are brilliant at bringing pre-prepared materials to life may struggle when presented with a blank piece of paper and asked to produce something from scratch. It is not always easy to put your ideas down on paper.