Preparing
There are three considerations when dealing with the preparing of training: travel, classroom setup, and show prep.
Travel
This may or may not be included in the lesson plan. It is suggested that if it is not included in the lesson plan then it is presented someplace else. In some companies this could be part of a trainer’s manual.
This portion should address the travel information, per diem requirements, directions to the training sites, point of contact at site, equipment to pack and how to get it to the location, and other miscellaneous information that is important for the trainer. For example if the trainer is on-site for more than five days the location of a reliable laundromat is helpful.
Items for the lesson plan:
- Location of the training site
- Date(s) of training
- Arrival time
- Meeting with POC, location and time
- Travel information both to and back
- Information about the location
Classroom Setup
Success is 10 percent inspiration and 90 percent perspiration.
~ Thomas Edison
One of the more common ways to ensure the failure of a training is to have a room sweltering hot, with not enough chairs and missing equipment. Classroom setup is key. It is important for the trainer to know how many people they should be expecting, what equipment they will need, and when they will need it (especially important in multiple day trainings).
Items for the lesson plan:
- How many learners are register for training
- Materials needed, both for the entire training, and what needs to be available for the current lesson
- Room preferences, projector, number of seats, etc…
- Lab equipment, posters, etc…
Show Prep
Good teaching is one-fourth preparation and three-fourths theater.
~Gail Godwin
Just like a thespian learns their lines, and knows their marks, a master trainer also knows how the events of the training will unfold.
To be ready for the show that is teaching, the trainer should know what lesson they will be covering, when, in what order, and why they are covering it. They should know how many people will be in the audience, and they should know when they will use various props or pieces of equipment. They should know each PowerPoint, every instructor note, and ever lab complete with the FAQ before the first student enters the door of the training site.
Always keep in mind that with room setup and show prep, you may or may not be the person responsible for setting things up, once the class is in sessions the attendees make it your responsibility.
In the next issue: What Makes Up An Effective Lesson Plan: Part 03 Objectives
