Participatory Training Design and Delivery * What is your approach to training? * Sample workshops * Facilitator training * Support staff and their teams * Everybody needs mentoring Audio Clips What is your approach? (90 secs.) AIFF Format Please note that this file may take some time to download. For help listening to the audio, please click here. About my work Mary Dingee Fillmore, Director Clients Projects	What is your approach to training? My approach is highly experiential, and carefully tailored to each audience. I spend a significant time pre-interviewing the person organizing the training, and talk directly with some participants as well. In every case, I review the organizational structure and mission, ask people about the current issues and how the training will actually apply to their daily work. The process of tailoring the agenda and design is participatory in itself, including a second round of comments if that seems appropriate. On the training day itself, I arrive at least an hour ahead (usually more), even if the facility has already been set up. Physical space sends important messages to the participants about whether they are truly welcome to speak and encouraged to connect with each other, or whether the focus is on the trainer. When the participants arrive, they should immediately feel that they are in a consciously and carefully prepared environment, structured to move them directly into the training objectives. Often I find that the room arrangement can only be finalized when I actually see the space. My methodology in general is to help people discover what they already know or have experienced in relation to the subject and hand, and to use that information as a foundation for learning. I use pairs, small groups, open discussions, role plays, skits, and many other strategies to draw people into the conversation. My preference is to work with groups of 15-20 to ensure results for every single person. I collect and use feedback throughout and after the session. In addition to discussing my expectations of them at the beginning, I check in with participants frequently to gain feedback about whether we are moving in a direction which meets their needs. At the end of the session, I ask for written evaluation, which I then use to revise my approach the next time.
© 1996 - 1998 Mary Dingee Fillmore, Changing Work <mfillmore@usa.net>. All rights reserved.