Step 5. Develop Instructional Activities

Developing a training design consists of organizing learning activities so that outcomes identified by your objectives are achieved. Each activity should have an introduction, a main segment, and a wrap-up segment, paralleling the overall structure of the training session. During the introduction, provide a brief description of the purpose and content of the activity and develop a connection between the activity and the one that preceded it. Make sure that activities flow logically from one to the next.

As you develop activities, select training strategies that are most likely to help you meet your objectives. For example, skill development is best achieved through modeling, practice, and feedback, while information acquisition can be achieved through group discussion or collaborative group work. Keep in mind that people learn in a variety of ways: some learn best by listening, others by reading, and most by doing. An effective training design incorporates a variety of training strategies, taking into account:
participant learning style
principles of adult learning
group size
prior experience and/or education level of participants
type of skill or information to be presented
trainers style
Some strategies that promote active learning include brainstorming, games, mini-lectures, small group work, cooperative group work, simulations, role-playing, and case studies.
When deciding which activities to use, consider these questions:
Do we know that this activity is effective?
Have we used it before? Are we comfortable with this technique? Do we have the expertise to use it effectively?
Does the activity require prior knowledge or skills on the part of participants?
Will we have the time, space, and resources needed to accomplish the activity?
Will the activity encourage learning without confusing participants?
Make sure that each activity includes a wrap-up component that brings closure to the activity, answering questions, and discussing possible applications. As part of your wrap-up, consider asking questions like:

What will you do as a result of…? What major themes emerged? or What is your response to…?
Finally, decide on the amount of time you need to carry out each activity and to achieve objectives. It’s better to drop an objective than rush and frustrate participants.

Remember you will need to develop resource materials to support these activities. These may include handouts, case studies, bibliographies, or questionnaires. Leave adequate time to draft the materials, obtain feedback, and make any changes.

[tags] Instructional Activities, training design [/tags]

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