Does this sound familiar? “Hey, great job with the course design, but we just heard from the head shed. They like it, but they need you to fit your classroom time into three days instead of five.” What to do? Do any of the following suggestions sound familiar?
- Cut back on some of the discussions and practice sessions?
- Depend on more lecture?
- Talk faster?
- Click the slides faster?
- Don’t take any questions?
Although I may have done some things like that in the past, it certainly wouldn’t be my recommendation.
Instead, here is what I do recommend:
Prioritize Course Content. Ask the SMEs or stakeholders the following questions:
- What is most difficult to learn?
- What is done most frequently?
- What is most important to the job?
- What do the learners have the least amount of background in?
Once you have this information you can focus on the high priority content. Deemphasize the lower priority content using the following methods:
- Appendix – push some of the content in the appendix of the participants’ guide.
- Multiple classes – offer some of the content in a later class(es).
- Blended solution – some of the content may fit well as an e-learning solution.
- Pre-course work – present content through pre-course assignments or required reading.
- Post-course work – present content through post-course assignments, required reading, or work-place activities.
- Job aids – Use handouts etc. to present content to the learners.
By cutting down on some of the content you can keep the interactive activities and practice exercises in your course.
If you try to squeeze all the content into the compressed time frame, all of it will not stick. The learners will probably retain some of the content, but will happen to e the skills and knowledge most critical for job success?
Always keep the following statement in mind: If your training does not result in improved performance, what’s the point?
Paul
You can leave a response, or trackback from your own site.
Comments RSS