The downturn in the global economy is affecting virtually every industry, including corporate and organizational training. You may very well find yourself training fewer people today than in months or years past. Know that you’re not alone.
These lower class numbers are requiring us as trainers to modify and adjust our instruction, especially if the class was originally designed for a larger group. That said, I wanted to share some of my suggestions on making the most of training a small class:
1. Don’t consider the smaller class size a disadvantage.
I view a smaller class as a great opportunity to intimately connect with my learners on a more personal level. (An opportunity that I might not be afforded if instructing 20 or more participants.) One way I’ve done this is by periodically sitting at the table with my participants instead of always standing “on the platform” during my instruction.
2. Allow the teaching day to run its normal course.
Unless you can find a meaningful way to do so, I wouldn’t try to purposely lengthen or extend the class time. I simply let the group lead me in regard to how much time I spend presenting content, discussing information, or debriefing activities or exercises. If the class ends an hour or so earlier than scheduled, then so be it.
3. Don’t be afraid to deviate from the script.
Try to follow your lesson plan or facilitator’s guide as closely as possible, but if you need to deviate from it, do so. It’s likely these deviations will be necessary, especially if the course was originally designed with a large group in mind. Use your creativity and flexibility in modifying brainteasers, icebreakers, discussions, and exercises for a small group. For example, large group exercises may now have to be facilitated individually or in pairs.
4. Include value-added options.
Since it’s likely you’ll have additional time with a smaller class, use it wisely by addressing issues that wouldn’t normally be covered. This may be a way of meaningfully extending your classroom time, but adding value also. For example, once you’ve covered the required content, take a few minutes to allow the learners to discuss how they specifically plan to use the content back at the job. Or you could encourage the learners to think proactively by facilitating a discussion of workarounds, barriers, or possible resistance to the content or information.
I’m optimistic the economy will eventually get back on its feet, but it probably won’t happen overnight. It’s possible we could be dealing with smaller class sizes for several months to come. Hopefully these tips will prove to be helpful when you find yourself instructing a small group as opposed to a large one. Good luck!
Langevin Team
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