Train Smart, Part 1 by Rich Allen

Part one of TrainSmart focuses on how to prepare for Effective Trainings every time.  The author begins by introducing his TrainSmart Model which includes five basic pillars.  Allen suggests that these pillars should be included in every training, although every trainer should be able to customize material based on the requirements of the training situation.

1.       Engage.  Preparatory step to mentally prepare students for the upcoming training.

 

2.       Frame.   The presenter addresses concerns of the participants up front so that they can concentrate on the material being presented.

 

3.       Explore.  Involves active participation from learners with a variety of activities designed by the trainer to stimulate physical, mental, social and emotional learning.

4.       Debrief.  Helps learners assimilate concepts taught and helps the trainer understand how much the participants have internalized and whether further elaboration of the material is necessary. 

5.       Reflect.  Reinforces the message with stories, personal experiences or metaphors to illustrate the contextual relationship of the material being presented.  It should also leave the participants with a lasting impression of the message and material presented.

The author then presents what he calls the Bricks and Mortar of the TrainSmart Model.  Five critical beliefs comprise the Bricks of the Model.

1.        Teach People, Not Content.  Participants must feel physically and socially comfortable and safe in the learning environment.   Additionally, participants must also understand why the concepts taught are applicable to them. 

2.        Awareness Leads to Choice.  When we teach we broaden choices for participants and show them additional tools in their skill tool kit.  We must demonstrate how new choices can complement existing skills.

3.       Learning + Enjoyment =Retention. Having fun helps learners retain information.  We must be careful as we use humor in our presentations, however.  Some people have had bad experiences with humor.  Playful interactions need to be kept in check.  Participants must feel safe in the learning environment.

4.       Application is everything.  Immediate application of new concepts will help initiate lasting retention.

5.       Stories Work.  We all relate to stories.  We can find many examples from different sources, but our own lives and experiences may be the most rich and relatable.

The Five Principles that hold the bricks together are:

1.        Crest of the Wave.  Refers to how long people can pay attention.  We have to provide strategic breaks every 15 minutes to not overload participants with too much information.

2.       Frames Create Meaning.  We must give participants enough information so they understand purpose and significance of what is expected.

3.       Make It Memorable. Use effective stories, acronyms, role plays and participant involvement.  Limit content to what is digestible in the allotted time.

4.       Open Loops.  We like to close loops as human beings, so if we provide an open loop to our learners, it alerts them that something is coming and encourages participants to pay attention for what is coming in order to close the loop.

5.       Train Directly to the Point.  We must limit information to what supports the topic. Trainers must be aware of the needs and experience levels of the participants and teach accordingly

Allen’s instructions on how to conduct effective trainings were eye opening and exciting as I look to expand my own teaching and training abilities.  Allen’s 25 years of experience incorporating these strategies helped him develop an effective format that each of us can use in a variety of settings.  Allen’s TrainSmart Model is straightforward and can be adapted to the needs of whatever material is being presented.

While studying this material, I reflected on the variety of trainings and seminars I have attended throughout the years.  The most memorable and effective seminars were those that involved a safe environment, used a variety of methods to teach, involved learner participation, and incorporated interesting stories, real life experiences and humor into the material being presented. 

The trainings that were least effective were those given with very little preparation by the trainer and little variation in presentation or style.  These seminars were presented in more of a lecturer format than a participatory format. 

The most effective seminars seem to follow the tenets of the TrainSmart program as outlined by the author, Rich Allen. By incorporating this framework and model in my own life, I can see that I will become more effective in a classroom setting and in my future role as trainer and teacher.