By Holly MacDonald

I have subscribed to this nugget of wisdom forever. If you deliver training, I have a simple way for you to break the mold of training as an event. Introduce a before/during/after framework to your planning or training design.

Adding “before” allows you to:

• Set expectations
• Establish context (why)
• Provide assessment options
• Encourage self-reflection and goal-setting
• Deliver some content to ensure all participants have baseline knowledge/skill level entering the training course

During (this is what we usually offer). Adding before/after changes some of the options in the event (online or in-person)

• Allows for time to focus on application of the content
• Provide training on how to use the after-training tools/supports
• Allows for grouping learners in a cohort

Adding “after” allows you to:

• Provide On-the-job task support
• Repeat key lessons
• Conduct summative assessment – how did you do?
• Offer individualized coaching
• Support peer-connections
• Layer more learning (learning more) on the same subject or a related topic

Simple, right? It’s not a silver bullet, but it provides more opportunities for people to actually learn, rather than just attend training. And, maybe, have an impact on their performance which should be the goal of any training.

Would love to hear your solutions, too. Put ’em in the comments section.

Holly MacDonald is an independent consultant with well over 15 years of experience in the learning & development field. Holly is a bit of a techno-geek and can often be found playing online. When she steps away from her computer, she spends time outside: hiking, kayaking, gardening and of course walking the dog. She lives on Saltspring Island and is a leader in the live/work revolution.