Ten Ways to Make Training Stick

Copyright, 1996 Susan Boyd, Susan Boyd Associates (215-886-2669), website: http://www.susan-boyd.com. All rights reserved. Cannot be reproduced in electronic form or copied without written permission of author.

Learning is a process, not an event. For the process to be effective, it must involve the support of the manager, learner, and training manager over a period of time that extend beyond the class date. If we want training to make an impact in the job environment, we need to plan activities to do before, during, and after training to help make the learning stick.

10 Before Training Activities:

1.	Create a Job-Focused Curriculum.
2.	Design Courses with Specific Job Objectives, Job Tasks, and Pre-Requisites.
3.	Include Variety of Learning Tools.
4.	Create Quick Reference Cards for Job Tasks.
5.	Create Macros/Templates.
6.	Pre-Screen Learners.
7.	Train Managers in the Learning Process.
8.	Set up Learner and Manager Agreements.
9.	Interview Learners and Managers.
10.	Communicate to the learners and identify their responsibilities before, during and after class.

10 During Class Activities

1.	Use Learner Contracts.
2.	Create Bright Idea List .
3.	Incorporate On the Job Examples.
4.	Use Job Related Practice Exercises.
5.	Use Analogies (Yours and Learners).
6.	Hold Team Discussions on How to Apply.
7.	Motivate Learners Throughout.
8.	Bring in Show & Tell.
9.	Send E-mail From Past Graduates.
10.	Use Commitment Statements.

10 After Class Activities

1.	Mail Commitment Statements.
2.	Use E-mail to Follow-up and Send Surveys
3.	Investigate - Are Learners Applying the Skills.
4.	Conduct Follow-up Interviews with Managers.
5.	Arrange for Past Graduates to Be Mentors.
6.	Track HelpDesk Calls.
7.	Use Network Messages, Newsletter Articles.
8.	Make Enhancements to Curriculum/Content .
9.	Determine Areas That Need Alternate Training Solutions.
10.	Publish ROI Statistics and Job Uses.

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Susan Boyd, is president of Susan Boyd Associates, a computer training firm that specializes in customized application training. Products also include the Accelerate Computer Learning with Analogies book, posters of the analogies and 10 Commandments for Trainers & Learners, and trainer workshops. Contact Susan at (215-886-2669), email: susan@susan-boyd.com or visit her web site at http://www.susan-boyd.com for more information.

For more information, contact Susan Boyd Associates at (215) 886-2669
(NorthEast PA area)