Daunting task

Developing a new training is a daunting task. First you need an idea. Then you work your idea to decide about the impact you want the training to make. When you know the impact, you start exploring methods, theory and exercises to use so you can create the desired impact.

When you have come this far, it is time for a quick market research, so you call around to people you know, and ask them if they would be interested in a training about this and that. Judging by their interest, you tend to adopt and adjust the title, outcome and description - not only the one you voice, but also the one you have in your mind.

Then it is back to exploring, considering options and finally you start structuring the training. Now, the basic structure is the same as always. It goes like this:

1. Introduction - topic, who am I, what are you to learn today (the What I am going to tell you)
2. Main content (where I tell you) - sometimes divided into sub divisions - again with an intro, main part and summary
3. Summary & thanks (where I tell you what I just told you)

The hard job is the second point above - making the main content. The content need to include enough theory for you to learn; exercises where you can train and experience; and sessions where we reflect on the learning points.

So far so good.

The challenge is now:

• to make sure that there is enough - but not too much - theory
• have the right mixture of exercises - to emphasize the points, to create learning experiences and to create and maintain energy in the group

When the first draft is ready, it is time to test run the training. I am lucky, I can invite local JCI members, and receive their valuable feedback, before it is back to the drawing board again.

It is not uncommon to have 3-4-even 5 drafts and test runs.

And most importantly - when the training is final, it has only just begun. In my opinion, a training is in constant development - you add some, change some, remove some. Constantly.