Training materials are used to teach employees how to complete their jobs.These materials can be used in a training session for employees to read and review.No matter what industry you're in, you can follow a few simple steps to develop clear, effective training materials.
Step 1: Determine the purpose of the training.
The goal of the training materials is dependent on who you are training and what you want them to learn.Maybe you are going to hold a training session in order to teach employees how to use a new point of sale system.Maybe you will give the materials to new employees to teach them how to conduct inventory.Ensure that the materials remain focused on the goal so they are effective.
Step 2: The material should be divided into units for each topic.
Break up the training manual into small segments to make it easier to digest.If you are working on a manual about inventory, you could create units for things like preparing an inventory log, categorizing supplies, counting items, and placing orders.The number of units you need depends on the topic at hand and there isn't a set guideline for how many to use.Each unit can be connected to the next with transitions.
Step 3: The content should be tailored to your audience.
Tailor your training materials to the participants prior knowledge and experience in order to keep them engaged.Don't waste time repeating things the audience already knows or going off on unrelated topics that are not relevant to the topic at hand.Make sure the presentation or manual is focused on helping your audience reach their goals.Training materials for entry-level employees at a coffee shop are likely to look a lot different than those for employees in accounting firms.
Step 4: Cater to different styles of learning.
Different people will learn best from different methods of teaching.In order to reach everyone, include a variety of approaches.Blocks of text, images, graphs, and charts can be included.
Step 5: The training manual needs to be presented to employees.
Employees can peruse the materials at their own pace with a manual or e-learning program.Should any questions arise when they are working, they will be able to refer back to the manual, which can be very helpful.You can include videos, quizzes, and other types of material to cater to different learning styles in an e-learning course.The training session could give participants a hands-on experience.
Step 6: Prepare any additional resources you need.
If you are going to give your employees a training manual, you will need to print and bind enough copies.If you are going to give a presentation to employees, you will need a space to present and seating for the participants.You will need to figure out the time and place of the sessions, as well as designate a person or people to present the training material.
Step 7: The goal of the training session or manual can be explained by welcoming participants.
A short welcome note is needed to start on the right foot.The purpose of the training materials should be described so that readers and participants know what to expect.It should be short and simple.
Step 8: A title is needed to start each unit.
The training materials should be labeled clearly.The title should be easy to understand and relate to the content in that section.Readers or participants should note how long it will take to complete each unit so they know what to expect.
Step 9: There are 3 learning objectives per unit.
Explain to the participants what you want them to understand at the end of the unit.Break the unit into multiple segments to make the information easier to digest if there are more than 3 learning objectives.A learning objective for a unit on using a point of sale system is to learn how to input a customer's order.
Step 10: How to meet each learning objective is explained.
It's time to describe the skills the participants need to know.Walk them through the process of completing the task, or explain the information they need to meet the learning objectives.The activities should give the participants a chance to try each task on their own.You can show how to input an order on a point of sale system with a presentation or a screen shot.
Step 11: The most important information should be given a recap.
A full unit reiterates the main points once you have presented or your employees have read through it.Explain the learning objectives to the participants so they know what to expect.
Step 12: The participants should be tested at the end.
The best way to find out if your training is effective is to see how much your employees have learned.If you find that participants aren't learning what they're supposed to, adjust the training materials and develop a quiz.Employees could complete a mock transaction on a point of sale system.
Step 13: Don't use formal, formal language.
Participants will lose interest if you make your materials too dry.While still remaining professional, address the readers like you would a friend.Whether you are preparing a training manual or giving a presentation, this remains true.It would be better to say "especially if the audience doesn't have a background in geography" than "particularly if they are comprised of novices without substantial knowledge in geographical systems."
Step 14: Don't use jargon.
If the audience is unfamiliar with the topic, technical language will make your materials harder to understand.Explain jargon on the first mention so readers don't get confused.If your audience has experience in the field, don't over explain terms that they already know.
Step 15: Speak or write in the active voice.
Active voice is more engaging than passive voice.It can be easier to get your point across if you use fewer words.An active sentence is, "Dave presented the training materials."
Step 16: The materials should be visually appealing.
If you will give your employees a printed manual or ask them to take an e-learning course, this is important.Don't fill pages with printed text.Instead, use white space, bullet points to break up blocks of text, and include graphics, such as images and charts.
Step 17: Take the time to proofread your materials.
If you want to catch problems you may not have noticed, read your documents loud.If you have missed any errors or inconsistencies, ask 1-2 colleagues to take a look at the materials and point them out.Errors will make your training materials less authoritative, so be sure to go through them with a fine-toothed comb before publishing.