Managing difficult behaviours in training can sometimes be more challenging than learning the subject matter or getting the timing right. Often classroom management is not covered in trainer preparation courses (or undergraduate teaching degrees, for that matter) so we are often ill-prepared to deal effectively with distracting, negative or counter-productive behaviour. Below are four techniques to assist trainers in getting back that control.
Regroup

We know what you’re thinking: “Flip charts? Aren’t those so old school?” The answer: yes, but they also happen to be one of the most effective and affordable training tools available. First of all, they are low tech. You can use flip charts in a variety of environments regardless of electrical and technological resources. Secondly, and most importantly, they enhance the learner experience.
Use Flip Charts to Enhance Learning

Every trainer has found themselves in the predicament of standing in front of a classroom full of people who would rather be anywhere else. It feels like an impossible task to overcome: We know that people learn best when they are motivated, but you cannot motivate other people. So, what is a trainer to do? You may not be able to motivate others, but you can create an environment that encourages self-motivation.

Humans are social learners. The more involvement there is, the more likely they are to connect with and remember the content. However, it is very common for webinar training to be a more passive, “sit and get” journey rather than an active and participative experience. It should be remembered though, that when there is less involvement, retention is diminished.

During a debriefing, the answers you give are just as important as the answers you’re getting from your learners. Good questions need good answers, and in order to ensure your learners are getting the most out of debriefings, good answers are vital. So how can you make sure you’re giving the best answers, and getting them from your learners? Below, we outline five tips for giving and receiving good answers in debriefings.

The competition for the attention of our audience is more-fierce now than at any other time in human history. There are just so many distractions; push notifications, instant messages, snapchats, wearable technology that beeps and buzzes, not to mention the plethora of streaming services that lure us in and turn us into binge-watching zombies.

It’s common for trainers to save the last 10-15 minutes of their session for questions. Sometimes those minutes are more uncomfortable than they are helpful. So, although this may seem like a good way to end the session, there are even better ways to do so.
Your course should end just as strongly as it began. Bring it full circle and end with a purpose by including these 4 steps:

If your background is more of a lecture-based approach, it wouldn’t be surprising if the idea of group activities scares you. But don’t be afraid! Studies – and our own experience here at MRWED – prove that group activities result in much higher learning. They really do embody the idea that “adults learn by doing”.

Do you manage trainers? Are you looking for ways to get their enthusiasm for the job jumpstarted? Here are several ideas we've used with great success.

The hope at the end of a presentation is that the participants not only understood you, but can take the information you provided and apply it for years to come. The question is: how can you efficiently and effectively transfer your knowledge to the trainees so that it’s implemented in their workplace?
Try and use these three tips to help you improve learning retention.