As instructors we have a lot to contend with. If you want to see just how much, take a look at this blog post – “Dispelling the Myth: ‘Anyone Can Train.’” One of the many competencies that an instructor must deal with is Time Management. This can be a big challenge for trainers, especially when you have 8 hours of content to squeeze into 4 hours.
There are so many variables that can impact time management in the classroom: a large or small class, discussions that go off track or go on too long, difficult situations, a fire drill, etc. The list can go on and on. I am sure that you have probably experienced at least one or two classes where your time management skills were challenged. I know I have and I’d like to share one of those experiences with you and let you know what I learned from that experience.
There I was on this particular day and I was faced with a crisis that made it imperative that I end the class a half hour earlier than scheduled. It was a one-day course so I didn’t have the option of moving any content to the next day. I remember thinking how much of a challenge this would be, because it is always important for me to do my best and give the client more than they expect. Well, I ended up surprising myself by getting through everything and ending the class when I needed to. I didn’t skip any content, nor did I skip any of the learner exercises. In fact, everything went well. So, what did I do? Read on to find out…
My manager uses two interesting terms to describe timing in the classroom: camping and hiking. There are courses where we can camp and others where we must hike. My style for the most part is to camp as I like a nice easy flow. However, I’ve learned that in some courses there are times when I have to hike, which takes me out of my comfort zone. Nevertheless, it’s coming out of our comfort zone that allows us to grow. And grow I did from this experience. I took a hike. When hiking you need to…
- Focus on the need to know content
- Use an economy of words therefore minimizing talking time
- Be very succinct, yet clear, in instructions for activities
- Keep discussions on track
- Use the parking lot more often
These discoveries may appear pretty basic and are probably skills that you practice most of the time. However, when your back is against the wall, these skills become more potent. In my case using these skills really helped with my time management and I’ll remember to use them the next time I am faced with a similar situation.
Time management is a constant balancing act. Camping and sitting around the fire is great but it’s important to know when to pack it up and continue the hike if we plan to make it to our destination and meet our objective.
Linda
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