Gone are the days where the trainer simply stands in front of the room and dictates knowledge. Technology has changed the way we learn and staff is demanding training to help them perform better. Learners are becoming demanding. So, how does the 21st century trainer respond to their demands? The truth is, to be an effective trainer in the corporate world you need to be flexible and adapt to multiple roles. We break it down for you.
Even in the traditional classroom, the trainer needs to have an active role in encouraging the learner to learn. Don’t forget that adult learners learn differently to when they were children and trainers need to understand the key principles of adult learning and integrate these into their training plan. You can read the full article on adult learning 5 training ideas for adult learners.
Training in the classroom
So, you’ve been assigned to deliver training in the classroom. The face-to-face experience in training allows you to gage your learner’s engagement through their body language. Your training plan should make content relevant, which leverages adults experience and knowledge — this is a great springboard in your classroom environment. In the classroom environment, your role as trainer to organise and facilitate (Instructor-led training vs online facilitation); you’ll be organising activities that engage learners and facilitate discussion among learners
Training in the blended learning environment
If you’ve been reading our articles, you’re well versed on online training options and blended learning solutions. Your training skills also need to adapt to the blended learning training environment; a combination of classroom facilitation skills and content curator are required for this trainer type. Blended learning is geared towards self-paced study and just in time training; one of your tasks in training in this environment is to curate learning content and direct learners to resources, which will help learners gain a deeper understanding of the topic they are learning. The blended training environment offers just-in-time learning with the guidance of the trainer; virtual platforms such as discussion board and forums.
Training in the social learning environment
For social learning to be effective and structured, the trainer needs to take on a moderator role; this means the trainer guides and ensures that social interaction between learners within the social learning platform. Say, for example; you are using Moodle, you would be ensuring that the online community is active, there are questions, and answer opportunities and people are sharing their experiences and providing self-reflective opportunities.
The trainer as an instructional designer
The trainer who designs online learning modifies aspects of each of the above roles and integrates them into their role as an instructional designer. The role of the instructional designer as trainer is to create a learning environment, which includes assessment to help learners learn in collaboration with others.
Technology is providing opportunities for trainers to create a learning ecosystem that develops talent and high achievers. The key is to create a learning strategy that drives the business forward with staff aware of what the business is intending to achieve and getting their buy in to reach that vision.