If you are a training manager, HR executive, or an experienced instructor, you are probably aware of the frustrations involved in finding (and retaining) qualified training talent. Usually, training solutions are simply purchased (outsourced) if the need is short term: such as project related, government-mandated or initiative based instruction. The Y2K demand for COBOL programmers (and the resultant need to train them) is a good example of this type of demand.

This all changes once the demand for instruction is continuous, predictable and sizable. At that point, it may be wiser to staff the position from within, capitalizing on those "techies" to deliver these classes. Years ago we discovered that some of our I.S. staff had the desire, skill, and aptitude to instruct students in many of the same topics they were already "subject matter experts" in. They were successful because they could impart complex, technical information in non-threatening ways.

If you have the technical talent on your staff, you are already half way there. This workshop is designed to complete the solution by developing the second half, leaving your organization with a valuable training resource. The full workshop typically runs for about 21 hours, but again, can be modified to suit the learners needs.

Upon completion of this workshop, the attendee will be able to effectively:

• Determine the appropriate instructional method for the topic, objective, and desired outcome
• Set the stage by introducing the course with high impact
• Establish an effective relationship with learners
• Deliver lectures properly and promote learner participation
• Provide class demonstrations
• Develop effective speaking skills
• Manage class time during instruction
• Gather and provide feedback on learners progress
• Reinforce credibility with existing technical aptitude
• Ask questions and solicit student responses
• Administer exams, case studies, and lab sessions
• Resolve your own nervousness and anxiety

The technical expert already has the credibility for being highly competent in their field. We will provide the techniques necessary to make any course taught by the technical expert popular, interesting and, lively; minimizing the problems and errors often made by new instructors.Topics include:

• Developing your speaking style
• Setting a strong "first impression"
• Reducing unnecessary instructor talk
• How to avoid lecturing traps
• Getting your audience to participate
• Using visual aides properly
  • Laptops and Video projectors
  • Easel charts
  • Dry-erase boards
  • Overhead projectors
  • VCR's, CD's and audio tape
• How to "read" your group
• Handling incorrect answers
• Body language: signs to watch for
• Level-setting and pacing the group
• Establishing commonality and rapport
• What happens if you don't know the answer?

To properly instruct a class, especially in a "technical" topic, it is vital that the instructor understand how adults learn. Understanding some simple principles will translate into learner "retention". We will cover:

• The rules of motivation
• We don't all learn at the same pace!
• Maintaining enthusiasm and reducing boredom
• Using humor, even if your not personally funny
• Evaluating the attendees performance
• What to do when they just don't get it
• How to review a topic
• Building fun into a "dry" topic
• Getting excellent reviews from the audience

It is usually best to approach each learning activity with an anticipated outcome. Depending upon the topic, learner skill-set, or motivation, these objectives can vary greatly. In this module, we will examine many of the issues that surround those instructors who deliver technical training.

• Objective setting
• Creating sound objectives
• Useful instructional methods
• Lesson flow
• What to include in the topic (and what to leave out)
• How to determine course content
• Level-setting to balance varied backgrounds

The best planned training effort will fall apart without careful attention to course management. Details such as room setup and group dynamics are often neglected during the planning phase of a training initiative. This module will cover some of the fundamental mistakes made.

• Managing the Infrastructure:
  • Managing available time - tips and techniques
  • Fitting content to match the objectives
  • Space management: classroom environment
  • Classroom setup
  • Visual aide placement
  • Maximizing the small classroom
• Managing the Individual:
  • Types of problem behavior
  • Preventing problems before they begin
  • Overcoming learner resistance
  • Maintaining control during difficult situations

Since this is a workshop, we will continually be practicing throughout the class. The attendee will be videotaped numerous times to provide feedback. You will be evaluated by your instructor and the other attendees and leave the class with a video recording of your "best performance"!

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