Training

Training is meant for developing skills. More often we see teaching is resorted to in the name of training.

The person who is having certain well defined competencies – a cluster of knowledge, skills, attitude and performance – in the subject matter of training – can be a trainer.  The list given below is not exhaustive, but can certainly be useful for those who want to develop as an effective trainer:

1. Subject expertise – you should be thorough with the subject matter  ( both K and S components of the subject matter) that you want to transact during training. This includes besides knowledge, skills, attitudes as well.
2. Effective communication: training is a two-way communication. Exhibiting effective communication skills is a prerequisite for effective transaction of knowledge, demonstration of skills etc
3. Training strategies: using different training strategies is a must, else, monotony will  creep in which will have a negative impact on  the learning outcomes. Expertise in variety in training and the opt use of them that suit the purpose and audience would help a trainer actualize his training objectives
4. Training evaluation: A trainer can not take his expertise for granted. His success is purely based on the value additions he could make in his trainees in the domain of their Knowledge, skills and attitudes as planned. He has to do while-training assessment and after training evaluation
5. Trainee attitude: trainers and training courses as a matter fact focus on knowledge and skills. But it is imperative to include the dimension of attitude as an integral part of training to ensure the success of training efforts.
6. Trainer performance: The trainer performance – a combination of a cluster of activities well planned, well sequenced and well executed – can ensure the success of training. Rehearsing the performance, going through the video recording of the proceedings of training, analyzing the constructive feedback of the trainees, researching on the post-training performance appraisals etc would be of great help to the trainer to evaluate his performance .
7. Trainer preparation: A well structured trainer preparation is a must. Personnel in the field should look out for courses conducted by reputed training institutions and complete the course(s) before embarking on the real task of training
8.  We have a large expertise in the field of talk-shops. But trainers should be strong in both talk-shop and work-shop performances.

The list above focuses on common minimum essentials for a trainer. ‘Once trainer – always a trainer’ is a dictum. Hence it augers well for trainers to keep learning and evolving to be successful in the field.