Training, in addition to its original function of developing the skills of employees, works as an excellent motivational tool, and is one of the pillars of the formation of Organizational Culture. That is why we must give it due attention, trying to do it in the best way possible. Furthermore, adult education (andragogy) is not the same as children education (pedagogy), so, there are basic differences that we have to pay attention, such as the ones I describe below:
- Teacher / student relationship: while in pedagogy teaching is centered on the teacher, in andragogy it is student-centered.
- Reasons for learning: While pedagogy follows a particular standardized curriculum, adults learn what they really need to know, with a practical approach to solving certain problems.
- Learning orientation: children learn by subject, as adults learn by competences.
These differences require different approaches to teaching the professional, so the tips we will see gain even greater importance, to increase the efficiency and effectiveness of corporate training.
Previous knowledge
The information we have opens doors to new information, stimulates the absorption of new content, and facilitates the understanding of new knowledge. Therefore, it is important that there is always a coherence between the content of the training and the basic knowledge of the trainee, ie it is necessary that the professional to be trained has the necessary knowledge base to participate in the training and, therefore, to have the best use. To facilitate, set the requirements for the training, and, when necessary, do knowledge leveling training for those in need prior to the main training. This little care can make training much more efficient.
Predisposition
Relaxation, lack of tension, attention, and concentration provide best learning. Therefore, it is very important to choose the proper training place, and the adequate organization, because the employee has to disconnect from the problems of the day-to-day business, in order to be predisposed to know and absorb new content. For this, the trainee should plan his absence, delegating his responsibilities, so that he has the necessary tranquility to participate in the training. The training environment should be friendly, with the necessary silence, and pleasant temperature, among other things.
Exemplification
We learn better through examples, so metaphors, case studies, and all kinds of examples should be used to facilitate the understanding of the trainee. The example has the power to clarify concepts, clear up ideas, and demonstrate principles in an effective way, being, in certain situations, the difference between learning and not learning.
Von Restorff Effect
Hedwig von Restorff was a German psychologist and researcher, whose studies indicated that different elements facilitate information retention (Von Restorff Effect). A classic example is the market list in which one of the items was marked with a yellow pen, this item will undoubtedly be remembered more easily. Therefore, we can use colorful, bizarre, or funny components to successfully retain the information.
Multiple Stimuli
Another good technique to use in training is the visual stimuli, through the use of video clips, and images. To make the trainee speak, recite, or even stage, is a strong stimulus for the retention of knowledge. All those things works as knowledge anchors, facilitating the retrieval of learned information when needed.
Performing Summaries
Summarizing what is being taught, and recapping the main points, allows a better retention of knowledge through two principles, the first is based on repetition, because while summarizing the most important concepts we are repeating the information for the brain. The second is that better retention of prior knowledge will facilitate the understanding and retention of subsequent knowledge.
Practice
Nothing better to consolidate learning than practice. Therefore, having the trainee performing an action, reproducing a process, or participating in a group dynamics, will be a great way to keep the knowledge alive, and facilitate learning and memorize information in the same way as a nail fixing a frame on the wall.