marc

FUN = enjoyment, amusement, or light-hearted pleasure.

OLOGY = subject of study; a branch of knowledge.

FUNOLOGY = A study of (learning) enjoyment!

marc

In reality, a great dessert can help to complete a successful meal. A bad dessert leaves a sour taste in your mouth that can ruin the whole dining experience. In the context of training, the dessert relates to how we close. We want them to have something to savour from the experience that, like a multi-course meal, brings everything together. For many years, I have preached about the virtues of a powerful close through my trainer training programs. Good training closes, bad training ends. You owe it to your participants to finish the session with impact.

marc

There are many ways to inspire your trainers and assessors and it doesn't have to cost the earth! Below are four of the best ways to keep your team firing on all cylinders, without breaking the bank.

Stretch them professionally

Your trainers and assessors may not always put their hands up for additional professional development, but it is important to keep them actively engaged in their profession. This can include involving them in conference proposals, article submissions, learning event development or even collaborating on a resource.

marc

The VET industry in Australia is one of constant change and reform. Once again, the requirements for trainers and assessors are set to change as the minimum qualification for working in the industry – the Certificate IV in Training and Assessment is updated and integrated into the new TAE Training Package.

marc

One of the best tools in the trainer’s arsenal is “regrouping”. It helps to build energy, break pre-occupation, facilitate networking and keep bodies in motion. However, from the classroom management perspective, regular regrouping assists the trainer to stay in control of the group and ensures that the difficult personalities are shared around the room. There are many ways (both subtle and less-subtle) to break-up groups when training. So here are five to get you going, which use the technique of “regrouping”.

marc

Having just completed two weeks of training to French Speaking participants in Mali, I was reminded that there are approaches and techniques that are universal to training, regardless of language, literacy, culture, ethnicity or religion. I have categorized these into the “Four E’s” below:

Energy

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Ken Blanchard (author of the One Minute Manager) argues that we should be spend at least as much time on training follow-up as we do on its organisation and delivery. Below are four simple things that trainers can do to support the transfer of learning post training:

1. Send a Post Card

marc
One of the most common challenges for trainers is getting the group to refocus and return to their seats after an activity, particularly when this activity has been noisy or ends in bursts of laughter.  Similarly, a lot of time can be lost to the trainer when their group does not return in a timely fashion after a break.  A few months ago we went to our brains trust of training colleagues and former students with the simple question: How do you get your participants back on time? Below is a summary of the best tips we collected: 1. Tune them in!
marc
Perhaps I have been watching too much late night television, but recently I have come to the conclusion that there are a lot of things that trainers can learn from stand- up comedians. As a result, I have compiled a list of advice that I think crosses over well: 1.Know your audience.
marc
Last week I attended the ASTD International Conference in Orlando, Florida and was lucky enough to catch the last public presentation from Donald Kirkpatrick. He is someone who has had such a profound effect on our industry and I thought his contribution was worth reflecting on this month.

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