Understanding How Adults Really Learn
- Introduction to Accelerated Learning (AL) methodology
- The instructor-cantered versus the participant-centered approach to learning
- How traditional training tends to stifle real learning
Different Learning Styles and How to Accommodate Them
- The different needs of visual, auditory and kinesthetic learners
- VAKI principle, training strategies for each type
- How to reach all learning modalities when conducting training
Engagement Strategies for Enhanced Learning
- Keeping your participants alert, engaged, open and relaxed
- Using rapport-building techniques with success
- Using activities and games to reinforce the learning
- Implementing a variety of learning exercises
Energizing Computer-Based Training
- Inherent problems with computer-based training and what to do about them
- Creative strategies for revitalizing technical training
- How to make computer-based training practical for all learning styles
- Games and activities that will make the learning process more effective
- Special room set-up allowing for a flexible and fluid training environment
Taking on E-Learning
- Advantages and disadvantages with e-learning
- Synchronous versus Asynchronous e-learning
- Why Blended Learning is the ideal solution
- The 4 secret pillars of e-learning
Combining Media to Make an Impact
- Avoiding “death by power point”. Use simple methods to create compelling visuals—what to include and what to leave out
- Do’s and don’ts of PowerPoint
- Using brain-compatible flip-chart techniques that increase peripheral learning by up to 80%
- Creating great flip-charts
- Using music to enhance learning
- Engaging the image-brain for rapid memorization
Presenting Information for Optimum Comprehension and Recall
- Why “data dumping” is severely counter-productive
- Various techniques to reinforce memorization and “lock in” new content
- How peripherals can significantly increase learning
- HOT Tips for your trainer toolbox
4 Key Presentation Strategies
- 3 step power formula for providing a global understanding of the material presented
- How to “chunk” information for easy assimilation
- “Signal phrases” and how to use them
- How to revisit content in multiple ways and why it’s so important
- What to do when there’s not enough time to deliver all the material
Handling “Difficult” Candidates with Ease
- Techniques for effectively dealing with the most common types
- Prevention steps to avoid the encounter in the first place
Listening Skills
- 2 common myths
- 3 levels of listening
- How to encourage “active listening”
- 10 tips to becoming a better listener
How to Field Questions
- Avoid 3 common mistakes when responding to questions
- When should you re-direct questions?
- 5 tips on fielding questions
- How to ensure equal “air-time” for everyone in the room
Facilitating Activities and Giving Clear Directions
- Taking off the hat of Subject Matter Expert and donning the hat of Facilitator
- How to give clear, to-the-point directions that get participants immediately engaged and on task
Brain-Compatible Training Techniques
- Brain facts
- Why you need to present information to both sides of the brain
- Brain energizers
Presentation Skills: Voice & Body Language
- Assessing your voice
- Strengthening your voice
- Using your voice for maximum impact
- Creating “stage presence:”
- Ensuring that your body language is congruent with your message
- Avoiding annoying gestures that detract from your message
- Learning to move with purpose
- Injecting energy and grace into your movements
- Including your audience
The Do's and Don'ts of Presenting
- How you look
- How you sound
- What you say
- Practical tips
Opening a Training Session
- How to build “instant” rapport with participants, melt resistance, and get buy-in from the beginning
- Overcoming learning barriers
- Creative ways to open a training session
- Setting ground rules and why they are important in participative training
Closing a Training Session
- Common mistakes to avoid
- Allowing reflection on the content to create a sense of “ownership”
- Wrap-up techniques and action plans to cement the commitment to continued learning and application
- If it’s worth learning, it’s worth celebrating—appropriate, memorable ways to conclude a course
Managing the Classroom/Training Room
- The number 1 factor affecting learning that most trainers don’t even know about, and how to use it to boost comprehension and retention
- Directing the group’s focus
- Helping ALL learners keep up with the pace of classroom instruction
Physical & Mental Energizers
- Use physical and mental energizers to:
- Recharge a group when the energy is waning
- Increase alertness and attention
- Transition to a new topic
How to Debrief an Activity
- Skillfully “draw out” the learning
- Making the intangible tangible
- Using a clear-cut model for effective debriefs
- Questions to use with any group
How to Give Feedback/Coaching
- Making feedback easy using a 5 step process
- 5 Deadly Mistakes Trainers Should Avoid
- Understanding what creates a negative training climate and shuts down learning
Creating an Optimum Training Environment
- How the environment impacts learning
- Elements of a positive, stimulating training environment
- 4 important factors for choosing a room, and what to do when you have no choice
- Bonus: A handy “Setting the Stage” check list
Needs Assessments and Surveys
- Gathering reliable data
- 6 assessment methods
- Writing a needs assessment survey
- One easy and quick way to conduct a needs assessment when there’s not enough time or resources
Crafting Clear Training Objectives
- Blooms Taxonomy made simple
- Creating clear behavioral and competency-based training objectives
- Identifying objective statements under each of the three learning domains (cognitive, affective, psycho-motor)
- Ensuring module objectives and learning activities are aligned with overall course objectives
Instructional Design Strategies & Tools
- Accelerated Design Process—how to plan and develop effective, concise training modules that meet learning objectives
- The secret unveiled: The 4 phases of Accelerated learning training—high level overview
- Content versus Process—The Focus/Diffuse principle
- How to organize and sequence content in a logical, brain-friendly fashion
- Instructional design planning sheets and reference tools
- Guidelines for developing relevant learning activities and ensuring participants are involved in their learning