Two weeks ago I went on a glass art workshop. I really enjoyed it. The artist in charge wasn’t much of a teacher to be honest (see my blog about subject matter experts), but she was enthusiastic, and I was there for pleasure not to create a masterpiece. I was willing to have a go...
Models and theories are useful to provide structure to training sessions. They provide hooks for us to hang information on - whether that's examples, practices, behaviours. But a theory or model on its own isn't enough. Theories don't bring about behaviour change: action does. So people need to know how to apply the theory in...
Long before I started the Training Designer's Club, I recorded this. It's just a narrated presentation, originally aimed at internal would-be-trainers. It assumed face-to-face workshops and I KNOW that there are lot more mistakes than this, but as I say, these are just 10. and if you want to overcome the challenges of VIRTUAL design,...
In August I ran a poll of training professionals to find out which part of L&D was their favourite. I'm sure it will come as no surprise to find that delivery/facilitation came out top. Only 18% of those surveyed enjoyed design the most. reflecting on conversations I've had over the years and with VIP members...
Last week, on our family holiday in Centre Parcs, we did the high ropes course (complete with a zip wire over the lake to finish!). I don't consider myself a particularly brave person, but I'm pretty fearless on these courses, because I KNOW I'm safe. Not all of the obstacles are easy. Some of them...
It's very common to ask SMEs to run training sessions for people on a whole range of specialist topics. But SHOULD we? Yes and No. In my opinion, it’s good to use SMEs for expert sessions, when delegates are already knowledgeable or experienced AND when they are interested in the subject. But otherwise, probably not....
The short answer is YES - I made a living doing that for many years, BUT many L&D professionals believe that no-one else can do their workshop/programme justice. It means that they end up trapped. Trapped in a delivery role limiting promotion (if they are employed) or business growth if they are freelance. It's in...
Like many people, I grow a few vegetables. I'm very much a dabbler, so I have mixed success (though the cucumbers are doing PARTICULARLY well this year). Last night I realised we hade no veg for tea, so I had to decode whether to go to the shop, or start eating what we'd grown. This...
As you know, I’m a great believer in doing proper training design before running an event. There are many reasons for this – even when designing for yourself - which I’ve mentioned before (Here’s a quick recap). But even the very best design doesn’t guarantee things will run perfectly, OR that you’ll run an event...
Forgive me if this is unprofessional, but I'd like to talk to you about my new bra. For all intents and purposes, it's very similar to all my other bras. Not surprising since the fundamental design of the bra hasn't changed in decades. Of course, it has been refined and materials have improved (thank goodness...
