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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.

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In training, “the appetizer” relates to the opening. This is where the trainer gets to make their first impressions and is also their opportunity to focus the participant to what is coming next, both in terms of content and experience. As such, the appetizer represents a bite-sized taste of what is to follow and is the trainer’s chance to whet the student’s appetite.

So give them a TASTER of what they can expect:

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Managing difficult behaviours in training can sometimes be more challenging than learning the subject matter or getting the timing right. Often classroom management is not covered in trainer preparation courses (or undergraduate teaching degrees for that matter) and as such we are often ill prepared to deal effectively with distracting, negative or counter-productive behaviour. Below are four techniques to assist trainers in getting that control back:

Regroup

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marc

The Certificate IV in Training and Assessment means many things to many people. It can affirm existing knowledge and skills, provide the foundation for creating effective training and assessment practice or simple be a piece of paper to enable trainers to continue to work in the Vocational Education and Training sector. Whatever your reason, it is always important to remain current. When it comes to currency, trainers and assessors in the VET sector have dual competency requirements.

marc

I have spent the last few days in Dallas for the ASTD International Conference. As part of this event, I was privileged to be present for Sir Ken Robinson’s Keynote Address. As usual, he was funny, articulate and above all, inspirational. He mused on why we do certain things as human beings. He suggested that talent alone was not the catalyst for happiness. Moreover, he would say that that someone isn’t in their element unless they have a passion for what they do. During his address, Sir Ken stressed that people should find what they’re passionate about—both in work and in life.

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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

Whilst it is some time since MacGyver has graced our televisions with new episodes, the character made famous by Richard Dean Anderson continues to live in the hearts and minds of those who grew up with handy hero who could dismantle a bomb with little more than duct tape, chewing gum and a Swiss Army knife! But what can trainers learn from TV’s MacGyver?

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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

The world of Formula One may seem foreign to the learning and development space. However, there are some great correlations to be made for success in both spheres. Presenters are often in front of a podium and racing drivers want to be standing atop a podium at the end of the race. So let’s examine some of the key things that trainers can learn from Formula One.

1. Planning

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