Six steps to create a training tool!

• Need Analysis focuses on the specific elements you want to identify.

• Identifies knowledge based solution

• Identifies skills based solution

• Identifies operational objectives of the training activity.

• Identifies the target group

First Step:NEED ANALYSISHow do you determine what the participants/ local community needs?

• Objectives are the guidance for implementing a training activity

• Sets the targets

• They are the milestones you can reach

• Set the ways to identify the success of your activity

• Sets the timeline to achieve the objectives

Second Step:SET THE OBJECTIVES

• Identify the type of the tool you would like to develop

TYPES:

• Exercise

• Simulation exercise

• Boardgame

• Presentation

• Discussion stimulator

• Soft activity (energizer, group division, ice breaker etc).

• All aspects of the training materials must focus on the needs of the learners.

• Include debriefing sections

Third Step:DEVELOP TRAINING TOOLS

• Creativity is your friend

• Don’t be afraid to get inspired by:

Popular storieso Fairy taleso Movieso Cartoons

Popular Activitieso Cooking o Sportso Theatre

Famous Peopleo Their lifeo Something they’ve achievedo Things they’ve said

• Try to create something interactive

• A bit of humor or pleasant activity is always attracting the attention of the learners.

TIPS:

• Decide the duration of the activity dividing it to:

Introduction, explanation, questions Main activity Debriefing, evaluation, comments Time to change rooms, moving (if necessary)

Write down or give print outs for the instructions.

Prepare all material needed (and have some extra just in case)

Don’t give the participants more or less material

Experiment/ test the tool

Form an assessment policy

Form an evaluation policy

Important details:

• Create a comfortable learning environment

• Set up the training area with the appropriate materials

• Check your technical equipment (if needed)

• Be always there before (to receive participants) and during (to assist, advise, time keeping etc)

Fourth Step:IMPLEMENTING THE TRAINING ACTIVITY

• Changes can appear for several reasons

• Try to “read” the participants

• Assess and evaluate

• Have a plan B’

• In case of failure of the tool, think fast and change it. If not possible discuss it with the participants. Don’t go to the next activity without the closure

• Don’t forget that in non formal education, even failures can be transformed to learning activities

Fifth Step:BE PREPARED FOR CHANGES

• Revisit the training objectives

• Check if all previous steps were working properly

• Seek to understand the reactions of the participants. Assess and evaluate

• Change something if necessary for the next time

• Ask for recommendations, advice, tips

Sixth Step:Conclusion / Evaluation

This presentation was created for the needs of the training course:

Formal Education Meets Non Formal LearningThe competence based approach

3-11 November 2012Kalamata, Greece

Created by: Filaretos Vourkos

THANK YOU!!!