AFTER THE CLASS ”

As you know, most media courseware has an exam at the end. The courseware that has truly meaningful exams has a bank of questions that are randomized but, at the same time, asks at least one question for each of the learning objectives.

Usually, it would be wise to follow up that exam with a hands-on test that will give you a clearer picture as to the transfer of learned knowledge into correct work practice. The following are a couple of ideas you might use to give a more accurate picture of the efficacy of your training initiatives:

On-the-job Follow-up:

The trainee and the appropriate supervisor are given a copy of the performance checklist for each completed lesson. The supervisor assigns the student to perform tasks on the checklist and evaluates that performance. Through discussion, the supervisor can then augment the training activities with site or equipment specific identification and information.

Shop/Laboratory Activity Integration:

Shortly after the completion of a lesson, a shop/lab activity is conducted allowing trainees to practice the activities covered in the lesson. For example, your trainees finish a lesson on laser alignment and then go into a shop to practice laser alignment. That shop/lab activity can then be followed up with a hands-on performance test administered by the instructor.

Just a couple of ideas to help you affirm that the learning initiatives taking place actually translate successfully to the plant floor.

— Bill Walton, Founder of ITC Learning
bwalton@itclearning.com

“AMERICA WILL CONTINUE TO BE BUILT BY THE HANDS OF ITS MEN AND WOMEN”