Teaching &Training

1. Build on students’ existing knowledge, skills, and lived experiences.

2. Recognize that motivation plays an important role in student engagement and learning.

3. Support students in developing mastery by helping them learn individual skills, connect those skills, and apply them appropriately.

4. Encourage self-directed learners to reflect on their progress, evaluate their learning strategies, and make adjustments that support continued growth.

It has long been understood that students’ prior knowledge plays an important role in their future success in the classroom. A strong foundation of background knowledge can help learners process new information, make meaningful connections, and apply problem-solving strategies more effectively.

While prior knowledge is not always required for product training, it can be helpful when teaching tasks such as searching, downloading documentation, annotating documents, and navigating system features. Familiarity with basic online skills, such as using a browser, logging into programs, conducting searches, and moving through digital platforms, can make the training experience smoother and more productive.

At the beginning of a new training session, I often ask, “Have you used XYZ before?” and “How do you plan to use XYZ?” These two questions help me better understand the learner’s experience, comfort level, and goals so I can adjust the training approach to meet their needs.

Leveraging students’ existing knowledge and skills

Brainstorming - Brainstorming is an effective way to determine what students already know. I begin each call by asking students what they know about searching for data online. As they respond, I take notes so I can better understand their current knowledge and determine the best place to begin.

Motivation drives students’ learning pursuits

Rewards for Participation - This can be done both online and in person. For online students, I use a point system based on how many questions they ask or answer during the session. To help track participation, I use an online whiteboard so students can see their progress and stay engaged.

To attain mastery, students must acquire individual skills, synthesize them, and choose the proper application

Assessments - I use assessments to evaluate what students understand during training and to determine whether they are ready to move forward. In online classes, students receive a short video and an assessment link during the last few minutes of class. The video is about three minutes long, followed by a few questions or tasks that allow students to demonstrate what they learned. Students can ask questions in the chat, and once they complete the assessment, they receive a certificate and can move on to the next class.

For in-person classes, assessments are completed on the students’ computers. These assessments are a little longer and may include scenario-based questions, hands-on tasks, or guided activities. I allow students to use their notes and tip sheets because the goal is not memorization, but confirming that they know how to find information, apply the process, and use the tool correctly. Once they complete the assessment, I provide a certificate so their manager knows they have demonstrated the skill and are ready for the next class.