The term training module can mean anything from a simple PowerPoint presentation to an actual textbook; there is no standard or official definition, making it hard to define what should go into one and what shouldn’t.
However, if you’re interested in creating your training module or have already started and want to know if it’s on the right track, there are some key things you should consider including in your design and creation process that will help ensure the result is efficient and effective.
What is a Training Module used for?
Training modules are commonly used to help employees learn how to do their jobs better and more efficiently or learn how to do new jobs that they have been hired to do. Whatever the case may be, you must take time to create a practical training module that will help your employees learn the information you want them to know.
Before you start creating the actual module, you should consider what should be included in it and how it should be presented and what type of information should be included.
Your training module should be able to teach your customers the information they need to know about your product or service, whether it’s how to use it or how to set it up. If you want it to be effective and helpful for your customer, it should contain these elements, so make sure you consider them as you write your module.
How to develop the best training module, step by step
A well-designed training module will answer each of your reader’s questions before they even think to ask. It’ll take them through every phase of whatever project you’re training them for, and it will include tips, tricks, and relevant real-world examples.
It will be logical, easy to follow, and—yes—it will work. In other words: You can win over your new audience by designing an exceptional training module that takes their pain points into account from start to finish.
Whether you’re creating tutorials or other multimedia resources, keep these core elements in mind as you plan out what to say and how to say it:
Define The Problem
First, begin with a clear statement of what your training module is about. What’s the problem you’re trying to solve? Who will be involved, and what kind of deliverables are expected from them?
You don’t need to focus on why you want to solve it—get clear on what needs solving. For example, We want our customer service team to handle inbound calls more effectively and efficiently by automating as much of their phone workflow as possible.
Then describe who should attend (anyone who works for or interacts with customer support), when (during business hours), where (location and facilities requirements), how long (2-3 days), what’s included (lunch/coffee/breakfast and snacks), etc. The purpose here is just to lay out expectations.
Create An Outline
Now that you know what type of solution you want to create, start creating an outline that explains in detail each step required for attendees to reach success. The purpose here isn’t necessarily structure or logic but rather just getting all ideas out so they can be refined later–you can refactor them here at any time before launch.
Ensure it answers all questions asked earlier: Write down everything you feel needs addressing and ask yourself if they were answered above. If not, go back and rework until they are.
Write a SMART Objective
When creating training, it’s important to have specific and measurable objectives in mind. Why? Because if you don’t know where you’re going, how will you know when you get there? And if your objectives aren’t specific enough, your chances of success drop—and so does employee engagement.
Think about what exactly you want people to do after they complete training. Then break that down into smaller chunks: make those objectives SMART (specific, measurable, attainable, relevant, and time-bound).
This way, everyone has clear goals they can use as their roadmap throughout their learning experience. Being specific with your objectives also ensures employees focus on only one or two things at once instead of juggling five or six.
That way, you avoid fatigue and improve retention rates for content learned; but most importantly, you ensure employees stay engaged because they understand how all their hard work relates to big picture company goals.
Create the Right Type of Training Module
It’s crucial to understand your training audience’s needs, aspirations, and job descriptions. You can only create modules that will provide them with what they need most by identifying these. If you’re creating internal training modules for your business, it’s important to consider: What do your staff want to learn about? Which of their skill sets is lacking? And how does that fit into their job descriptions?
By thinking through all these factors, you’ll be able to create tailor-made training materials designed for your team. Plus, don’t forget that video is an excellent medium for communicating quickly—especially when compared to long blocks of text!
Collect Feedback and Revise
Once you’ve developed your training module, you’ll want to give it to several different people and ask them to provide honest feedback. For example, do they understand what you are saying? Do they feel that it is applicable in their role or department?
How could you better explain or teach what is needed? If they had one piece of advice, what would it be? Most importantly, do they feel empowered after reading your material? Use these responses to make revisions based on constructive criticism.
Your goal should be for others to walk away with a new skill or renewed confidence to perform at their highest level. To ensure that you have done just that, keep working at it until you receive consistently positive feedback. When no further revisions can be made, then your work is complete—but don’t forget about keeping up with updates throughout your company as well!
Stay Up-to-date
Keeping training modules up-to-date and thorough is essential to avoid confusion in today’s complex world. Staying organized will help you to get things done more quickly and efficiently. It also makes it easy for people new to your company or organization to navigate through training materials when they start their jobs. For tips on keeping training updated, stay tuned for our next tip sheet on Staying Organized as an Employee. Happy training!
