Every
blade of grass has its Angel that bends over and whispers, "Grow,
grow."
THE TALMUD
There are four levels by which workshops are evaluated:
· &n 838p151i bsp; &n 838p151i bsp; Level 1 - Did participants enjoy the experience?
· &n 838p151i bsp; &n 838p151i bsp; Level 2 - Did participants learn?
· &n 838p151i bsp; &n 838p151i bsp; Level 3 - Did participants use the skills?
· &n 838p151i bsp; &n 838p151i bsp; Level 4 - Did participants' performance improve?
Clearly, Levels 1 and 2 happen in the workshop and contribute to Levels 3 and 4. If Levels 3 and 4 are not reached, the training is largely a waste of time and money. Here are some ideas to avoid such waste.
1. &n 838p151i bsp; Evaluate whether you really need to go to a workshop at all. Can you get the information you need from:
o &n 838p151i bsp; a colleague?
o &n 838p151i bsp; a book (self-help)?
o &n 838p151i bsp; an Internet search?
o &n 838p151i bsp; your manager?
o &n 838p151i bsp; self-paced computer-based training?
2. &n 838p151i bsp; If the skill is best acquired in a workshop format, find out if this is available internally or externally. The advantages of an in-house workshop include:
o &n 838p151i bsp; Learning the same skill as others in a similar situation. This will give a critical mass of people a better chance of using new techniques. No one person will feel like an oddball trying new things on his own.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Having the ability to network and share successes and problems with others who are easily accessible.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Less time-wasting. The workshop will probably be tailored so participants can deal with real issues.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Case studies will be confined to organizational issues.
o &n 838p151i bsp; The program may be just in time and scheduled right before you need to put the new skills into practice.
3. &n 838p151i bsp; The advantages of an outside workshop include:
o &n 838p151i bsp; The ability to stand back and see the big picture. The workshop cannot deal with the nitty-gritty issues you face. Rather, it would take more of a global approach.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Networking opportunities. Sometimes we believe our organization to be unique. By meeting people from a variety of organizations, we often find that we have similar issues. And more important, we may discover new innovative solutions that have application in our organization.
4. &n 838p151i bsp; During a workshop, be it internal or off-site, you will improve your learning if you:
o &n 838p151i bsp; Let the instructor know if you have specific issues you would like to have addressed.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Familiarize yourself with the course objectives. Highlight the ones of greatest importance to you. Focus on them.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Write down key ideas constantly. Develop a summary daily.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Ask lots of questions. If you feel that some of your questions are off track or of little interest to others, corner the trainer at breaks or at the end of the day, to ensure that you get answers.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Participate with enthusiasm.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Practise skills at every opportunity. Participate in role-playing rather than acting as observer.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Sit closer to the front to ensure fewer distractions.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Ask for feedback from the instructor and fellow participants on how you are doing, particularly when you're involved in a role play. Pay close attention to what you are told, without being defensive.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Stretch yourself. The workshop is an opportunity to try things that you've never done before. Failure and mistakes can be an effective part of the learning process.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Ask for feedback on your effectiveness. Listen without being defensive. Make notes on how you can improve.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Find someone you trust so you can mentor and support each other after the workshop.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Offer to give your boss or peers a summary of what you gained at the workshop. This will present you with the great challenge of getting your head around the key concepts.
5. &n 838p151i bsp; Before you attend a workshop, consider these issues:
o &n 838p151i bsp; What is your preferred learning style? Do you, for example, prefer to listen and observe rather than do things experientially? What process will predominate at the workshop? Some, particularly the one-day-wonder seminars, appeal to the observers but have little value for the hands-on learner.
o &n 838p151i bsp; Who is providing the workshop? What are his or her credentials? What is his or her training style? Does it match your learning style?
o &n 838p151i bsp; How effective was the workshop for others?
|
