Objectives

The key objectives for this program are:

• Design instructor-led training that sets learners up for success on the job.
• Deliver instructional teaching sessions that meet specific learning objectives.
• Structure a performance-based blended learning solution.
• Apply a 5-step consultative approach to analyze training needs.

What you will learn

Identify Constraints

• Myths and realities of blended learning.
• How blended learning can significantly reduce the cost per learner.
• How to integrate blended learning decisions into your standard Instructional
• Systems Design (ISD) process.
• Key elements of a performance-based blend.
• Over 50 possible constraints to consider.
• How the type of content directly impacts your blended learning decisions.
• A versatile formula for prioritizing content.
• How to address pre-determined/mandated solutions.

Select Strategies

• Creative techniques for blending traditional and e-learning strategies.
• How to target the most critical course content.
• Best practices in blended learning design.
• How to customize learning to meet diverse needs.
• The advantages and disadvantages of core training strategies.
• Over 30 specific selection criteria.
• How to validate the feasibility of selected strategies.
• Comprehensive strategy selection tools.
• How to optimize the blend of strategies.

Blend Performance Support Activities

• 35 proven performance support activities (PSAs).
• How to deal with “nice to know” content.
• How to address realistic course design constraints.
• A 5-point feasibility checklist.
• 20 practical vehicles for implementing PSAs.
• 10 criteria for validating performance-based blended learning programs.

Planning

• Key questions to ask when a project is assigned to you.
• Tips for planning a successful design project.
• What short-cuts to take if design time is limited (and which ones not to take).
• How to estimate design time.
• 4 factors to consider in determining design priorities.
• How to best use job aids in training.
• How to compile a complete project for management/client approval.

Analysis

• The most critical things you need to know about learners.
• Where to find information about learners.
• What to do if learners have diverse backgrounds.
• How to develop performance-based content.
• How much theory/background material to include in a course.
• 8 errors to avoid in task listing.
• How to conduct a thorough task analysis (with multiple examples for different types of content).
• Tips for making course content meaningful and relevant to learners.
• How to prioritize course content to keep it lean.
• How to deal with “soft” skills (e.g. customer service, management, sales, leadership, ethics, etc.).
• How to work effectively with SMEs, clients, and line managers (and your own boss).

Design

• How to create a solid design even if you aren’t an expert.
• How to write objectives quickly and easily.
• The 4 major types of tests and how to design them.
• How to determine if pre- or post-course work is required.
• 50 instructional methods you can use in your courses.
• How to incorporate a variety of methods into the training.
• How much practice to build into a lesson.
• A 6-step learning strategy for structuring your courses.
• How to make your courses modular.
• The best method of sequencing course content.

Development

• Proven principles of adult learning.
• How to keep materials at the best reading level.
• The recommended way to set up instructor lesson plans.
• 22 items to put into instructor lesson plans.
• How to design materials for inexperienced instructors.
• How to design handouts.
• The secret to creating “shelf-resistant” course manuals.
• How to create easy-to-update materials.

Evaluation

• The 3 phases of course validation.
• A versatile checklist for assessing your courses or vendor materials.
• The 4 types of evaluation.
• Items to include in course evaluations.
• 5 sample evaluation forms.

Course Delivery

• The most common issues for new instructors and how to overcome them.
• How to minimize nervousness and anxiety.
• How to project confidence.
• 7 vital facts about how adults learn.
• Over 25 tips on speaking skills.
• When to be dynamic and energetic versus relaxed and easy-going.
• How to create a great climate for learning.
• How to build rapport with your learners.
• Techniques to improve your vocal inflection.
• How to use gestures to reinforce your message.
• 14 tips for a dynamic speaking style.
• How to give polished demonstrations.
• Tips (and practice) in leading a discussion.
• 8 laws of classroom motivation.
• How to increase learners’ enthusiasm.
• Simple techniques to get everyone to participate.
• How to create and maintain a fun learning environment.
• Tips for giving proper feedback to learners.

Course Structure

• An easy-to-use 6-step strategy for structuring your courses.
• How a lesson should flow.
• 7 WIIFM techniques for presenting benefits to learners.
• The best way to provide feedback to learners.
• Guidelines for conducting meaningful reviews and summaries.

Course Management

• How to use visual aids effectively.
• The do’s and don’ts of multimedia slides.
• The top 10 flipchart techniques.
• An arsenal of techniques for handling problem people.
• How to stay in control during difficult situations.