Sofema Aviation Services (SAS) www.sassofia.com has a constant requirement for subject matter experts with typically 20 years or more relevant experience and the desire to share their knowledge. Here we share tips on Effective Delivery of a Successful Regulatory Training Short Course to improve the learning experience for the delegate.
Preparation
It is important to prepare to deliver the course this means you should:
- Review the material to be familiar with all terms and abbreviations used.
- Be able to explain any identified processes related to the training experience.
- Prepare with a mentor if you need additional preparation.
Dealing with the Delegates
Lack of engagement by the delegate is the most difficult challenge we face as instructors – One example course had post-course verbal feedback to the management which was significantly at variance with the information which was gathered through the feedback process.
We should endeavor to maximize “personal” communication with delegates and not assume that silence is an indicator of “OK” – unfortunately, it may not be the case.
Setting the Ground Rules
Share with the delegates what you are doing so that they can become part of what is happening – this is also an element of delivering training to adults:
For example, “Ladies and Gentlemen I propose the following”.
a) To briefly reprise the slide.
b) To explain in detail more about the subject matter.
c) To invite you to comment.
d) However, to reiterate that it is important that you ask questions as many questions as possible – more is better.
Understand your Audience – keeping everyone on board
It is important to ensure the training we deliver resonates with the audience – It is never correct to “Inflict” our training on an unsuspecting audience. Nor is it mandatory to painfully go through every slide – information may always be read later if necessary.
Please ensure you understand the knowledge level of the group – The training can and should be modified with concurrence from the majority of the delegates to better suit the needs of the group.
How does the Audience view you as the “Instructor”?
They (or Their Company) have paid for a learning experience which you as the Instructor are responsible for the following points should be considered carefully:
- You are the subject matter expert – This means you must understand what you are teaching.
- If you do not understand it then you cannot explain it.
- We are not encyclopedias therefore it is expected that we cannot answer every question – so be prepared to acknowledge a question and to promise an answer the following day (for a 2-day course) or email following a 1-day (or shorter course).
Clarifying the Purpose of the Training
Regarding 1 Day “Essential” Courses delivered in regions where English is not the “Native Language”:
- To ensure the potential delegates are aware that the contents are heavy and the course is primarily aimed at reviewing and updating.
- To reiterate the importance of ensuring feedback from the delegates – asking questions and checking for understanding throughout the course.
- Share that we have access to a huge resource and may continue to share information following the course – to share the location of the SAS download area.
Attracting Attention
We need to connect with the group in a strong and positive way. When you look around to survey the group – choose one of the quiet ones and ask by name if they have any questions.
Off course, they will not say – So to move it along ask “how do you see “xyz” working in your company, or what is the biggest challenge you face to doing.” The important thing is to engage with all of the delegates.
Keeping Attention
One way of keeping attention is to work the 20-minute rule – means every 20 mins to change direction, show a video clip stop what you are doing and have a review, take a short break in fact anything to refocus the delegates.
If we just keep going we disconnect with the delegates and we lose their attention.
Avoid Unrelated Theory
We are teaching regulations so the subject is naturally dry – but we can still try to lighten it a little to avoid unrelated theory and to focus on the most relevant topics to the training material.
Ensure you reference the documents available in the SAS download Area
The SAS download has been specifically created to support your training to provide a resource and to allow the delegates to visit at their convenience – please ensure that you share this information to the maximum amount possible.
Using Questions for Checking for Understanding (CFU)
We have the opportunity to open up the training by asking questions, this can also support the 20-minute rule by asking the delegates questions regarding what we have just spoken.
Involving groups in identifying the challenges of a particular issue often works well as it directly tasks them with an activity, so that they become involved in the learning process as “Adults”.
Next Steps
Follow this link to our Library to find & Download related documents for Free.
If you have over 20 years of relevant experience and would like to be considered as a Sofema Aviation Services Consultant / Instructor please send your CV to team@sassofia.com
Tags:
aviation course, Aviation Instructor, CFU, Feedback, Checking for Understanding (CFU), Aviation Consultants, Seeking Aviation Consultants, Aviatin Training, Successful Regulatory Training, 20 minute rule
