We don’t consider a training program a success unless the participants are able to use the concepts and skills taught during the curriculum and implement these concepts and skills to the job. For example, we know that most people require three or more practices to learn key communication skills such as listening and interactive speaking. Because of this, we teach these skills early in the workshop and reinforce them in every subsequent module. In this same way, we design programs so participants reinforce previous learning while mastering new material. We recognize that application, practice and reinforcement are an integral component to learning. In order to build a learning environment we use:
1. Course Pre-work:
Course pre-work helps participants get involved in the program beforehand in ways that prompt them to be aware of their on-the-job experiences as they come to the workshop.
2. Assignments:
The time between each training activity offers a valuable opportunity for participants to practice the concepts and skills in real-life situations. Assignments are given to participants, creating an opportunity to practice.
3. Action Plans:
At the conclusion of each training module each participant is asked to develop his or her action plan, choosing where and when to use the concepts and skills. They are asked to create this plan to support their use of workshop models and skills—at work, where it counts.
4. Reinforcement Learning:
We send a series of reinforcement memos to participants. Participants benefit from having materials to read that reinforce the models and skills they’ve learned in the program. Reinforcement memos also serve as reminders to practice and use the skills taught during the course. Likewise, we produce podcasts, skill cards, and other tools to help participants transfer learning to the job.
5. Reinforcement Sessions:
These sessions are typically offered a period of weeks or months for up to one full year after the completion of the skills training program. We know from pre- and post-workshop observations that because of these listed key elements and our other design features, most participants do indeed acquire new concepts and skills during our curriculums. Final program evaluations given at the end of our curriculums list skills or topics taught and allow participants to rate how they have improved their abilities as a result of the program.