Setting up and Managing a Training Programme in the

Microbiology Laboratory

Train The Trainer Presentation

by Brian Alexander
www.pharmig.blogspot.com
Content

Introduction
The Trainer
Preparation
The Training Session





Learning Styles
Coaching
Listening
Questioning Techniques
Introduction
Objective of the session
Training to be given
Vehicle for the training (verbal, practical, visual)
The trainer
Assessment method (practical, Q & A, discussion)
Time allocated
Introduction


As a trainer you will gain from the training session as well as the trainee.
It is part of your development.
The Trainer
Personal skills
Communication skills
Motivational skills
Organisational skills
Knowledge and experience

The Trainer
Appearance
Body Language
Listens
Patient
Humour
Understanding
Concise
The Trainer
Clear Voice
Clear Projection
Good Leader
Enthusiastic
Determined
Willing
The Trainer
Plans ahead
Logical
Methodical
Experienced
Credible
Enjoys training!
Preparation
5 Ps
Proper
Preparation
Prevents
Poor
Presentation
Define objective of the training session
Ask the trainee to read appropriate literature, if necessary

Preparation
Gap Analysis
Identify the trainees experience/knowledge
Identify the trainees needs
Adopt training style
Tell
Sell
Participate
Delegate

The Training Session
Handouts should not have too much information on the one sheet.
It is important that the trainee understands the background to the topic
therefore use open questions, for example, explain to me why we do it this
way?.
Feedback is vital, therefore always ask do you understand so far?., etc.
Be aware of learning styles - important as to how you put across the
information to the individual(s)
Activist, Reflectors, Theorists, Pragmatists





The Training Session
Example of a Poor Slide
Too much information on a slide can be very off-putting. Always use bullet
points with short concise information that will get the information across to the
trainee(s). It is human nature to scan over the words on a slide so if you have
too many you will loose the impact compared to a few words that will say the
same thing!
The next slide shows a good example of a slide for a presentation that will have
less text but it will say exactly the same thing and have more impact on the
trainee than this slide.
The Training Session
Example of a Good Slide

Use bullet points to get across information.
Use a maximum of 1-2 lines.
Learning Styles
Activist
need challenges, new topics, ideas, etc
dont like to sit and listen for more than an hour at one time
hands-on, get in amongst it, make mistakes, have fun
like to mix with other activists
Reflectors
need time to consider, assimilate and prepare
require relevant information on the topic
like to listen to a wide cross-section of views on the subject
dont like to be put under pressure or have to improvise

Learning Styles
Theorists
like to ask questions
training session objectives has to have clear structure and purpose
dont like complex ideas and concepts that may stretch them
approaches and concepts to be explored must be sound and valid
comfortable with similar calibre of people
Pragmatists
like hands-on practical experiences
enjoy practical tips and techniques
like to tackle REAL problems they encounter day to day
comfortable listening to experts with the answers


Coaching


Definition: Process of brining out the best in people.
Coaching can take place informally or formally.
Coaching is mainly about listening and asking questions.
Coaching

Effective coaching must have the following key competencies
questioning skills non-judgmental
giving praise/recognition candid and challenging
building rapport encouraging and supportive
creating trust getting to the point
observational skills objective
Listening
Active listening - often we unconsciously show the speaker we are not
listening. It is an extremely easy way to insult somebody!
A good listener has a powerful appeal. Listen without judgement, put yourself
in the speakers position. Summarise at the end, this will force you to listen.

Listenthinkthen reply!
Questioning Techniques
Closed questions
is the assay finished?
were there any deviations?
Open questions
tell me where we are we with the assay?
How did the analysis go?


Questioning Techniques
Leading Questions
Are you good at.?
You had a problem with that, didnt you.?
Reflective or Summarising Questions
Can I summarise what you have told me...Is that correct?
Follow up or Probe Questions
Tell me more about...?
Can we go into this in a bit more detail.?



Questioning Techniques
Link or Bridging Questions
Thanks that was useful. Can we now go into the..?
Final or Catch-All Questions
Is there anything that we should consider.?



Summary
Be prepared
objective of the training session
understand your presentation skills
understand the trainees knowledge
ensure they understand
ask questions
listen to their questions