The trainer speaks, we listen. The corporate slide deck flips to a new text-heavy slide, we read it. The trainer moves around the room, we sit patiently awaiting the next break. Same old training, different day.
In “traditional” training classes, the learners sit while the trainer shares their extensive knowledge. The trainer uses a slide deck which applies a corporate template. Each slide is text-heavy, and images are rare, if they are there at all. The learners are passive.
Some reasons why this is the case:
- We've been conditioned that way.
- It's easy to replicate.
- It's simple to run.
- Companies like to use their branding.
I'm sure you can think of more.
Unfortunately, this is not the best way of training people so that the knowledge sticks. In fact, it's amazing that learners take anything away from such an environment. It pays tribute to each learner's note-taking techniques and hard work.
There is a better way of training. Imagine a training room which was rich with images that explained important concepts. The room is set-up for exploration and collaboration, not facing the front in rows. The slides (if there are any) are colourful, image rich, memorable, and interactive. For most of the course, the learners interact with each other. The trainer acts as a guide on their learning journey.
Sharon Bowman introduced six learning principles in her book, “Using Brain Science to Make Training Stick.” These learning principles are called “The 6 Trumps”. When you apply them in your training, learners are more active, more engaged, and your training will be more “sticky”.