Other demotivating factors
We will group the next three points together as they are closely linked.
- Learners have been compelled to attend the training without the reasons for their participation being adequately explained.
- The topic appears irrelevant to the learners.
- The trainer has not outlined clearly at the start of the training what the specific learning objectives are.
We take it as read that the topic is relevant to the learners - otherwise there is no justification for you to deliver the training.
Reasons for attendance should be clearly explained to the learners in advance and links between the proposed training and their work demonstrated. It is especially important to outline the benefits to the learners themselves (as opposed to the library service) which will result from the training programme. You might be able to show, for instance, how learning to use a new computer program could cut down on boring, repetitive manual tasks. As the trainer you may either discuss these issues yourself with the learners in advance of the training or, alternatively, you should ensure that another person does so, most probably their line manager. In the later case you may find it helpful to construct a briefing sheet.
At the start of the training programme you will outline your specific learning objectives and how you intend to deliver the training to achieve these. At this point you should clarify what your expectations of the learners are and, conversely, what support the learners can expect from you.
Let's look now at Badly delivered training ...
