Stop Abandoning Your Learners -
I have seen it countless of times.
Employers are encouraged to complete a virtual training course (or possibly a live event) as they are informed that it is essential to their position.
They take time out of their hectic schedules in order to master new techniques and methods.
Instructors (be they online or in-person) are full of energy in their enthusiasm for the subjects they are giving.
Practice scenarios are available, quizzes, and discussion to ensure that everyone is aware of the material.
At the end of the day, the learning event is concluded and the pupil is sent out off in the hope that the new information they have just learned will use.
However, it does happen...
The employees that attended the training go back to their day-to-day tasks and lose a lot of what they have learned - but this isn't their fault. It's because they were not properly assisted during the period after training.
What's Your Post-Training Support Program?
The model described above is most commonly seen when it comes to live training events, but it can apply to many different ways of teaching.
A lot of time and effort goes in the creation of an engaging course or seminar that there's often no support plan in place for following the event.
The teachers are congratulated for their job done, however, they are doing a disservice to the people attending the event without having adequate supporting mechanisms in place.
It's time to change this.
Following the training, there are three parts to offer post-training support:
- Communication plan for Follow-Up
- Webinars on clarification
- Support portal
After the training has taken place, participants must begin receiving messages about the material that they have learned. The first of which will be an overview (with solutions to most frequently asked questions).
Communication should be regular for a few weeks after training.
It is a good idea to host a webinar for employees to "check into" with employees to see whether there are any additional questions as well as if they're implementing what they have learned. The webinar can range form an hour to three hours in length dependent on the level of complexity the material. You may even have multiple webinars.
If you're creating a training program where live instruction is necessary, don't abandon your learners after the event. With the proper post-training support plan in place you will ensure that your learning is more efficient.