5 Important features when it comes to Training the Trainer

A few days back I attended a Train the Trainer training. It was an amazing learning experience. It helped me unfold various aspects of being a better trainer. And so I thought, let me share my learning with you all today…

The first most important feature of a train the trainer session is understanding what training and facilitation is. In the current dynamic scenario, if you 'train' people, you will end up doing most of the talking! You will put in all you have to impart the required knowledge and skills, but do you think that’s all adults really need to learn? Is there something else a trainer can do to facilitate learning? Well there is. And it’s precisely that word, facilitate! Facilitation helps in stimulating the learner inside each one of us and creates a safe space where participants can find their answers rather being told them. It allows reflection and introspection through questioning which gives participants a chance to realise what’s happening in and around them.

Next is understanding the importance of preparation. For you to deliver a programme well, it’s important that you start preparing for it well in advance. Spend time in understanding the participants, their expectations, challenges and needs well. Select an appropriate methodology and tools to cover what you need to in a way that will increase learning for the audience. It’s only when your preparation is solid can your session go well. And we all know the importance of having a strong foundation! 

The third important feature of a train the trainer workshop is clearly understanding the context of the programme you are going to conduct. You must know who the audience is, why they need this session and what they need to be able to do so that you can cover the same in the session. This gives a trainer clarity and ensures that s/he is moving in the right direction.

The fourth thing is understanding the difference between objectives and outcomes. While the former focusses on what the session is aimed at, the latter points towards what the participants will be able to do post attending the session. Having both these clear helps us in designing a session that fulfils the needs of the learners.  

Last but not the least, is how to conduct an activity successfully. Every activity has a set of instructions which we call the brief and the reflection which is done at the end called the debrief. Being able to clearly give instructions to participants and then deciphering what has happened during the activity is an art in itself. And one that needs to be taught in every train the trainer session. Its also one that can take a trainer from training to facilitation and from being mediocre to a true mirror for participants. 

Train the trainer workshops have really evolved over time. They now cover a large number of modules which help trainers cater to the adult need for learning. They have come a long way from presentation skills to facilitation. And I’m sure with changing learner needs they will keep evolving.