Computer Training by ABCO Technology.INC, Los Angeles (available in:
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Date: Apr 9, 2008 03:39:39 AM CST
"Moreover that's how it works---good?" The young student trainer that I was observing asked this question for the umpteenth time and looked around the class expectantly. She had been taught to "check for understanding" normally to see if her students understood her points or not. From where I sat, it looked it was not "okay" with several of the students, but they were reluctant to show that they did not understand. This was a point I would take up in my critique after the class.
Checking for understanding is just one of the lots of elements of training that requires an qualified trainer. "all right?" is not good enough. A better way is to have students perform a task requiring understanding of the concept. If this is not possible, then questions must be posed so as to elicit information from the students. I sometimes say something like "Now, let's pretend we are in grade school. Here are three choices relating to what we just covered. Hold up one finger if the answer is A, two for B, and three for C." Students will usually chuckle and comply. This forces all students to think about the concept and choose an answer and allows me to re-explain if several have not grasped the idea.
Student self-respect is also important. A good trainer must develop the feeling that it's okay to be wrong and that being wrong does not imply that a student is ignorant. I sometimes ask a student to explain how he arrived at an answer before I reveal whether it is correct or not. If it is wrong, I may say something like "I can see how you arrived at that conclusion" before I explain. The student understands the error but feels good about him/herself as a logical thinker who made an intelligent (but incorrect) choice.
If you are considering training for yourself or your employees, it is important to go beyond computer expertise and look for a trainer who understands the principles outlined in this and last month's articles. It is not necessarily important for the person to be trained as a teacher--I have seen many excellent trainers who never took an "education" course, but who simply had a knack for communicating what they know. Experience, however, is another matter. If a trainer has taught computer courses regularly at a local college or training institution, this is a good indication of teaching ability. References from satisfied trainees or companies are also important. Training for yourself or your staff is one of the best investments you can make, but like any other investment, it should be made carefully. Check the trainer's background!
Individual tutoring or custom training for your staff can be tailored to your specific needs and can thus be more efficient than a general course, but it can also be more expensive. If you feel a general course is best for you, you need to check out what the colleges and training institutions offer, to find what best fits your requirement. Teaching at several local schools in different kinds of courses had made me keenly aware that each one is unique. If this is your choice, as with individual trainers, you need to find the school or course that best fits your needs. But that's another article!
Training is important in improving efficiency and is one of the best investments you can make. Check out the trainers and training institutions to see what best fits you or your employees--and get started! You'll be glad you did!
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