What Are Training Materials

by Susan Otto

Most people who are acquainted with me professionally know that I provide Facilitator
(Instructor) and Participant Guides (Student) for organizations that have their
employees deliver the training.  The training materials emphasize performance
outcomes through the use of highly interactive simulations, games, and activities. 

Now, I like to assume that professional people know what “that” (all the stuff I just
said in the first paragraph) is.  But, as you can imagine, assuming is not a good
thing.  For those who have read my article, Facilitator, Trainer, or Presenter, you realize that it is
difficult to define and distinguish this information. 

So, back to the point of this article.  What are training materials?  The answer to that question will, of
course, vary based on who you ask.  So, let me tell you what I have “seen” over the years.

I have a friend and colleague who can teach off the notes found on one file card.  Yes, I said “one.” 
Based on a few notes scribbled on this small card, he mesmerizes his participants with content and
activities that have a huge impact.  His training materials:  one file card, the participant guides, and
all the materials that are required to do the various activities he includes in the class.

I also have had the misfortune of attending too many training classes where the instructor thought
lecturing from PowerPoint slides was effective.  In fact, almost every word they uttered was found on
each PowerPoint slide.  Why they thought they had to stand up in front of a dimly lit room to read it is
beyond me.  And, lucky me, I even got to take home a copy of the PowerPoint slide print out which
made the type so small I had to use a microscope to read it!

Don’t get me wrong.  PowerPoint slides can be very effective.  And, they don’t have to have “bells and
whistles” to be effective – especially since many of the “bells and whistles” actually take away from
the message being delivered.  Facilitators just need to follow the PowerPoint “rule-of-thumbs.” 

One rule-of-thumb is 6 to 10 PowerPoint slides per hour.  The next rule-of-thumb is called the 6 x 6
Rule of Thumb.  This indicates that the maximum number of lines that should be on one PowerPoint
slide is six.  And there should be no more than six or seven words on each line.  Well, that’s enough
about PowerPoint slides.  Just remember, PowerPoint is referred to as PowerPoint “Presentation.”  So,
ask yourself, are you presenting or facilitating?

The complete opposite of the PowerPoint instructor is the activities facilitator.  This person uses games
and activities throughout the training – which is excellent in meeting the adult learners’ needs.  The
issue becomes a problem if the games and activities are not linked to the content, no real content is
given, and/or the games and activities aren’t linked to “real life” work situations. 
What are the training materials used for activities?  Well, I’ve seen just about anything and
everything!  Yes, anything and everything.  For example, in junkyard golf we used hose, aluminum
foil, sticks, socks, bowls, cups, masking tape, duct tape, wads of paper, water, etc.  In other words,
whatever you wanted to throw in a pile works for the imaginative minds of the participants who build
different holes in a golf course and create the clubs and balls to “play the course.”  Not only is the
activity great fun, but participants walk away with relevant ideas to use back on the job.  Of course, a
thorough debrief is necessary to really link the activity with the content and application.

Another excellent training material item is video.  Just like activities, videos need to be linked to the
content and/or “real life” work situations.  Unlike a variety of activities, using too many videos, even if
they are varied, can be too much.  Don’t forget to show the video in lots of “starts” and “stops” – no
more than 20 minutes each – so participants remain engaged.  And, don’t forget the debrief.

Other training material can be “electronic” in nature.  Since I don’t prefer to learn in this modality, I’ll
just skip giving my opinion on its use as training materials.  Don’t get me wrong – electronic training
materials can be very effective and very energizing.

So, given these comments, I’ll just be very clear about my bias.  I like training materials that are
written in a detailed facilitator guide.  This allows the facilitator to read the material and confidently
determine how to deliver the content.  The detailed material should spell out any activities and games
that need to be facilitated with key questions to ask that link the learning back to the content being
taught.  Oh, and besides knowing what key questions to ask, the facilitators are given possible
answers to expect…thereby understanding the purpose of asking the questions in the first place.

The training materials should also include participant guides for note taking and reference back on the
job.  They may include such things as handouts, PowerPoint slides, videos, job aids, action plans,
wallet cards, etc. 

Other useful training materials are eWorkbooks and Training Kits, which I refer to as self-study
courses.  These are for individuals who need to learn some important concepts but are not able to
attend a training session.  By reading and/or listening to these materials, the individual is introduced
to new ideas, reminded of concepts they already know and have forgotten or need to be reminded of,
thinks through important ideas, and takes action.

When it comes to training materials, variety is the spice of life.  Some consistency is necessary, but
variety is needed to meet our participants’ needs and spark their imagination.

(If you want to know more about designing training, consider taking the Designing Training for Fun
and Results Training Kit or eWorkbook at www.Self-StudyCourse.com.  There are additional self-study
courses covering various topics found on this site.)
(Download the Business Ethics module at www.Training-Modules.com for a sample of what might be
included in a Facilitator and Participant Guide as well as what it might “look” like.)