Within this second part of Training Aids, you will be exposed to many kinds of training aids for you to consider implementing in your training sessions.
You will need your handout accessible in order to successfully complete this section; pages 31-37.
Training Aid Types, Benefits and Tips for Trainers
The following activity provides you with an opportunity to carefully look at the pages on Training Aids in your FET ?handout and to reflect on one that is of interest to you. As trainers, we use many if not all of these and they can all be useful and effective if matched with the correct content.
Think of one Training Aid that you plan to use, and in the comment box below, respond to the following:
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
This is an ungraded assignment but must be completed to proceed.
Once you complete the assignment, you will have completed FET: 7 Training Aids. Please move on to FET 8: 3 Components of a Training Plan – found under “My Courses”.
The training aid I have picked is flip charts
1) What makes this Training Aid effective? – This training aid is effective because it provides a visual for visual learners. It allows the trainer to move at the pace of participants and it allows for involvement and creativity.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer? – I have seen it used as a training aid for brainstorming and idea/thought sharing. It has been used by giving group members the opportunity to share their thoughts and allow others to see. This could either be used as a discussion starter or just a list to be compiled.
The training aid that I have picked is a Powerpoint.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
This training is effective because it provides a way for participants to view content in a concise manner with the potential to embed helpful audio or video.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I believe this is probably one of the most frequently used training aids (both personally and on a large scale). I have used it for many trainings but I also try to include other sensory materials (i.e. Youtube clips, brief icebreaker games, and props etc.) so all participants can learn in a way that best suits them.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
I believe that the use of Video Clips because it can evoke a strong emotional connection to the content. As a trainee, I love when a Video Clip is used. The visuals helps me retain the information and relate the material being learned.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
When training on Challenging Behaviors in Preschool Children, I would use a video clip to grab the attention of the participants. I would also use video clips to encourage participants to try new methods of behavior management.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
I would most likely use power point to do my presentation because it is what I am most comfortable with. I think it is a program that easily works on most computers if you have a technical issue. It is easy to print in many different forms and you can add videos and website links easily.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I have seen this used at many trainings by projecting them on to a screen so they can be seen by the whole class. They typically follow along with them but also speak and ask questions so they are not just reading off a script. They make the trainings interactive with videos and activities.
Training Aid-Handouts
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
Handouts are excellent resources not only for the trainees but the trainers. Some of the effective benefits of these are time management (referring to the schedule), information you can refer to later, spots for note taking, information you can take home with you once the training is over, etc.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I love the use of handouts during training. I would use handouts for keeping track of the daily schedule, highlighting important points from PowerPoints and Videos, note taking for my trainees, and as a resource for them to take home as well.
I chose PowerPoint as my Training Aid.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
This is an effective training aid because it encourages multiple types of learning and access to other training aids. It provides me a visual and timeline for my training session. It allows me to provide visuals with my information and allows for a way to key in the group.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I would use it to present information in a fun and unique way. I would also use it to incorporate other training tools in quick and easy manner. It allows me to link quickly to videos and to be able to print handouts of my slides so that everyone can take notes.
I picked handouts as my training aid.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
I feel that if the group is able to look at what you have up on the screen and then take it with them that will give them an opportunity to refer back to the training. They can take notes or write down ideas or information for later.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I would have copies ready for when I begin the training. This can get tricky if more people come then expected. It would be very important to have a number of people attending the training ahead of time. If I discuss what I consider a very important or interesting detail, I want the participants to be able to take that information back with them. My job will be to make sure the information is organized in a way that the handout makes sense once they leave the training.
Training Aids, Handouts
1) What makes this Training Aid effective? Handouts are great for providing a visual guide of an agenda to follow, a space for learners to take notes , and information for them to reflect back on after the training. The bibliography also provides participants with a way to further look into the content if they want to dig deeper into the topic.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer? As a participant I keep most handouts from trainings I have been to. As an instructor I would want to provide handouts that others feel are helpful to reference and utilize in the future in the same way. I would include resources relating to the topic any specific materials (for instance specific toys or art materials) I would provide links to where those items could be found.
I picked Flip Charts and Training Aid.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective? – It can be used to organize thoughts from participants and provides a visual aid to those who learn visually. It also allows participants to get involved and can also be used creatively.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer? There are a lot of ways you can use this training aid. I would and have seen people use flip chart papers to break up participants into small groups. I have and will use it to gather and share information. I have also seen trainers use this to allow small groups use creativity.
I picked PowerPoint/Handouts as my training aid
What makes this training aid effective? It makes the training effective because it helps to keep the training on schedule and is a visual tool.
How would you use that training aid in a training that you conduct?
I have included a copy of the PowerPoint handouts when training, so participants don’t have to worry about taking notes-if they do take notes they have the opportunity to add extra things that stick out to them during the discussion. This helps participants to pay closer attention and be more involved in the training.
I chose the electronic presentation but I also really like using physical objects.
Why did I choose these? A power point keeps you on task, sometimes you get side tracked during discussions and often off subject and a power point makes it easy to get back on track but I also like trainings that use physical objects. It seems like if you have something to physically do then it stays with you more.
How would I use them? I would use the power point but also have them copies of the power point so that they could take notes on the side if they so desired. But I would like to add in some physical objects if they were essential to the training so that they could also do some hands on with them.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
I chose Flipcharts/Easels as they can serve s group notes and are good for brainstorming.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I would use to encourage involvement. It can be done in small groups or large groups. It can be a starter to quickly gain base knowledge of the topic or a chance to hear different ideas.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
I like props because an audience doesn’t expect this and it can wake them up.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I have in a talk about “wearing many hats” used this technique. I brought in hats and other props that represented mom, dad, grandparent, teacher, caretaker, bus driver, secretary, nurse, doctor, psychiatrist, etc. It kept the audience engaged and gave them a visual.
I picked a partial handout as a training aid that I will use, in conjunction with PowerPoint, video clips and other aids.
1. What makes this training aid effective? The partial handout helps participants to easily take notes by just leaving blanks for them to fill in, with the rest of the text already typed. This allows the participant to focus on the trainer and discussion rather than taking copious notes, but it provides the participant with a structured and simple way to take the notes. It also helps participants to stay on task during the training, and provides them with an easy summary sheet they can take with them.
2. How would you use that training aid in a training that you conduct? I would use this aid in conjunction with PowerPoint and other aids such as video clips, flip charts, and props. I would pass out the partial handout at the beginning of the training and encourage the participants to use it to take notes during the session if they would like. (There would be pencils and pens on the tables.) The end of the partial handout will also include space for the participant to write three strategies that they will implement in their classroom or center following the training. I have seen other trainers use partial handouts, and have observed a high number of participants taking notes on the handout. This has seemed to help participants stay more engaged, versus giving them a copy of the PowerPoint notes (where they will often just flip through it and look ahead).
I chose a combination of props/demonstrations.
I have been doing a lot of training with Calm Down Kits/Conscious Discipline. For this, I would bring in the entire kit and first do a demonstration on how each component of the kit was used. Then, I would have participants use the kit (I would bring multiple if needed) to practice and model the skill for me. This would let me see if participants are comfortable using the materials and allow me to answer any questions. I have seen this done in previous Conscious Discipline trainings, and it was very effective.
I love a good flip chart….it allows you to ask questions and assess where folks are from the beginning to end of your training. It helps you make sure you are meeting those measurable goals created for your training. I admittedly also love a power point however, they can be misused. A PP should have bullet points-the knowledge comes from the presenter.
I chose the use of “Props” during my presentation
1) What makes this Training Aid effective? I love that it could capture the attention of the audience with humor and flair. It certainly could create a memory to enhance your message.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer? The example given putting on a hat and saying “Your job as a caregiver is difficult because you wear many different hats” is very clever. I remember a speaker from about fifteen years ago pulling her hair up into a Pebbles fountain hair do to make a point about being comfortable with yourself.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective? I like to use Partial Handouts
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how have you seen it used by other another trainers. I would handout the Partial Handouts after an opening ice breaker. I would encourage participants to take notes as we went along
1) I chose power points with a handout as an effective training aid.
I believe that a power point with a handout can be an effective tool because it can address different types of learning styles of participants by providing information for visual and auditory learners.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I would a present the power point with handouts to allow the learner to have the information that is needed in an auditory and visual format as well as give the participants the option to take notes while the information is presented. Some participants prefer to just listen to a training, while others prefer to take additional notes or write down comments from the training to increase their knowledge of the presentation (I’m one of those people). The power point with handout can also be linked with videos and/or pictures to support the topics being presented and gives the learner something tangible to refer back to if needed.
I picked a conjunction of Photographs/ Pictures, video clips, and handouts.
1)What makes this training aid effective? Handouts allow learners to leave with materials that they can take back to their workplace. Photographs/Pictures give you visual so that you can take notes beside them and video clips used as an icebreaker to let the audience know what is coming up.
2) How I would use this training aid in training is the first start by showing photos and asking them to describe what they think is going on in the picture. On the backside of the picture would be a scenario describing what the picture is about. I would use this ask my icebreaker and also an introduction to the training. Next, I would pass out the handouts so that the learner could follow along with the Powerpoint and don’t have to worry about writing everything down. Right before break is over and the learners are making there way back into the room I would play video clips to get their attention and prompt them to get quit so that they are ready for the next session.
I chose PowerPoint/paper handouts.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
This aid is effective because it gives each participant his/her own information to refer to during and after the training. Participants can also take notes beside the copies of the slides.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I have seen many trainers use this method. Most encourage participants to follow along in their handout packet. This works best for me because I like to read the slides myself as the trainer moves through them.
The Training Aid that I would use is Handouts.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
I believe that this training aid would be effective because first it gives a place for attendees to take notes. It also provides something for the attendee to take back with them to refer to and hopefully implement something they have learned at the training. And finally it keeps the attendee focused and engaged during the training.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I would use a partial handout for my training. This helps keep the attendee engaged in the training topic. The attendee also is kept on track with a structured note that they will easily be able to refer back to in order to implement it in their classroom.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
Using a power point is an effective way to reach many people, it helps for people who are visual learners. When having a hand out to accompany the power point presentation also helps the participants follow along.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer
I would make sure that I have a power point print out so that my participants can follow along, they also have a place to take additional notes and something to refer back to. This makes it nice when trying to recall information and want to implement it into their classrooms.
I picked Power Points, or digital slides.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective? – I think that as a trainer that it can keep you on target with the agenda. I also think that it gives the learners something to focus on, and a place to start notes. I also like visual aides and flip charts, but find that digital slides are more environmentally friendly.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer? I use Power points in straining all of the time. However I think that it is easy to put stuff on a slide and read it, whereas the more important thing is to put up the bones or a visual and teach the learners what you would like them to know (using various methods). I often use them to guide icebreakers etc, by putting the questions for discussion on the slide!
Using several different training aids is the key to the success of the training. I like how this lesson put the definitions of certain training aids in perspective. This training says the following:
Props, demonstrations, and testimonies help to focus a learner’s attention.
Graphs, charts, resources help to increase a learner’s interest
Fact sheets, debriefing, summaries improve learner’s retention.
I totally agree! We have to obtain the learner’s attention, interest and make sure they leave with retention. This is our purpose as trainers.
One Training Aid that I plan to use are Handouts.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
Learners can refer to the information later.
Learners can take additional notes on the handout.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
Handout are written materials prepared in advance and distributed during training.
I am a huge fan of handouts (with note-taking room) as well! And with some people preferring to work paperless, trainers should be prepared to provide both hard copies and electronic versions of handouts to training participants.
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
Power points, just for the simple fact of you can put so much within a power point. Your information you are teaching, videos, and games if need be. It is a very versatile program if use correctly.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
Power points can be used to show information, pictures, forms and documents. They allow for the observer to take notes and star pertinent information that they find necessary to them.
I usually use several aids in any given training–I try to always have a powerpoint but I don’t rely on it–I want participants to have a way to take notes and something to remind them of key points. This is something I like from a training so I provide it. I don’t like to lecture or read directly off it the entire time though. I also usually engage with a marker board or flip chart throughout as well–keeping some ideas up to return to at different times in the training. I also supply handouts of key points for them to have in the future when needed.
Training Aide: Demonstration
1) What makes this Training Aid effective?
This is an effective teaching aide because it gives the trainer to demonstrate what they know as a visual which can increase learners’ attention and knowledge retention.
2) How would you use that Training Aid in a training that you conduct OR how you have seen it used by another trainer?
I would demonstration as means to allow for learners to demonstrate to the class what they know or have learned during the course.