I started my career in high tech, first working for a telecommunications company and then a software company, before joining Langevin Learning Services. As a result, I’m still a techno-geek at heart, and I spend a lot of time online.
Because I also love the training field, I end up on a lot of discussion boards and forums for training professionals. I thought I’d share some of my observations about the trends in the business, based on what training professionals are saying to each other. To be fair to those who have shared great ideas (or conversely, not-so-great ideas) I won’t be referring to any particular forum or group in my following comments:
Knowledge and Skill
To begin, there is definitely widespread use of the words “knowledge and skill” out there when it comes to training. I find that encouraging. But, when you dig a little, it seems training professionals often focus more on the knowledge part than the skill part when you get knee-deep in the details. We could benefit from putting more emphasis on the skill aspect of training: leaving out nice-to-know content, including more how-to material, and building in more exercises for our learners.
Technology in Training
I’ve noticed trainers are always looking for new ways to use technology in training. From sharing opinions on e-learning authoring/delivery tools, to posting discoveries of emerging technologies that may someday provide new training modes, trainers are combing the web for technological advantages. Even nicer, many trainers are staying clear-headed, not getting caught up in the whiz-bang coolness of the technology, and keeping a focus on sound training principles. I hope this trend continues and even rises. Sadly, there are still a few people out there who think e-learning should solve all training needs, although they appear to be the minority.
Helpful Trainers
Trainers are a helpful bunch. Maybe it’s due to all our dealings with managers on the front end, and with learners on the back end, but I’ve noticed a huge tendency to be very diplomatic in expressing our thoughts about training in general. Even strong differences of opinion posted online have been tempered with disclaimers of possible exceptions, adaptations, and professionalism. Well done, trainers! No flame wars for us!
Front-End Analysis
There seems to be a lot of focus on how to design or deliver training with efficiency and effectiveness, but I’ve noticed an absence of front-end analysis thought. Perhaps we are resigned to defer to managers’ judgment, have given up on needs analysis, or simply don’t know enough about it to implement it more prevalently in the training world. I’ve simply seen too many posts about training programs that are telltale signs of knee-jerk reactions by management or common misconceptions that training can solve any performance issue. When put to the question, most trainers would say, “No, training is not the solution to every performance issue.” But I’ve seen too much evidence of trainers failing to consider that question at the start of new training projects, and feel we’re still letting “bound-to-fail” projects creep into our project plans.
Trainers Agree…
Finally, if there’s one thing trainers agree on, it’s that there isn’t just one correct way to handle training. It looks like we really get it: We’re helping human beings do their jobs better. And if there’s one thing we know for sure about human beings, it’s that not everything will work equally well for everyone. I’m very grateful to see how adaptable and open-minded we are as professionals. Not only are we open to new ideas, but we are ready and even eager to consider adaptations to best practices, all in the name of maximum benefit for our respective organizations.
If you want to form your own opinions about what trainers are discussing online, just Google the following words: “training forum discussion board” Just be prepared to weed out the results that lead to animal training or personal training.
Alan
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