How can you stay updated on Train the Trainer research?

Few crucial elements that cannot be disregarded in scaling the "Train the Trainer" is Quality over Quantity! An approach which provides the 3E's can create a win-win situation and benefit the organization at a macro level. You can use the 3E's and improve proficiency by allocating 70% to providing the relevant Experience - 20% to Exposure - 10% to Education! Apart from this it is imperative to utilize their own expertise on various subjects/functions. it is also important to equip them with the right toolkit and platform for recognition while also rewarding them through already available & integrated initiatives.

Currently, LinkedIn Communities/group, Facebook groups and Instagram channels are great outreach and learning platforms. So much of day-to-day updates are easily available on the tip of the hand. It can also act as a question answer platform to add more perspective and wider angel.

Attending industry-specific events and webinars not only helps to improve your skills and knowledge, but are a great way to know people who are passionate about what they do. Events bring also fabulous opportunities to network and share your ideas with like-minded individuals. Volunteering with workshops are win-win scenarios for both you and organizers, as help is always needed and appreciated.

As a master trainer, I've experienced firsthand the benefit of staying up-to-date with the changing trends. Reading & researching on the trends is very important. One thing I've found useful & that I always share with my trainees is interacting with your fellow trainers - people who are experimenting with different techniques, using multiple methods to keep engagement & learning levels high in their sessions. It helps to know what is working & what isn't.

When I taught "Train the Trainer" for 9 years, I not only researched best practices, but collected feedback on what learners liked and didn't like and streamlined the training to fit the individual needs of the audience. Often times, you must envision yourself as a learner and think about what they would like to stay engaged. Some people will need soft skills but some won't so understanding the group's needs will make it more relevant.

In post pandemic era, people have started to recognize the importance of constantly staying updated and training is one strong medium to achieve it. But the trainers have a higher responsibility to be accurate and most updated. Generally, eBooks/podcasts/interviews/open channel of communications provides a great opportunity to learn about the current dynamics without spending a long time. However, the individual should opt for external courses and long-term training sessions to advance further.

While all the published material helps, we need to understand the layering, which is more or less same across all adult learning. Online forums and journals are among the top layers of the cake. You need to ensure your T3 facilitators have the right base layers before moving to the top ones. Most of what we see here is critical to T3 facilitation, the one thing important above all remains audience research: understanding their motivation, helping them develop it if needed; researching their background and experience, incorporating it in learning design; etc. The actual intervention/facilitation is only the tip of the iceberg. A great learning intervention is built much before the actual facilitation.