Making the Transition from Trainee to Trainer

Making the Transition from Trainee to TrainerJennifer PetersContent Management andDiscovery Services LibrarianRockhurst University

Dan BrowerBranch ManagerParkville BranchMid-Continent Public Library

Other duties as assigned in job descriptions

Often times, those other duties involve training. Whether formal or informal, training has become a large and important part of the library world. Sometimes new staff members are hired and have to train other staff right away!

If you have answered a question at the workplace, you have already helped teach someone something.IntroductionAnyone and everyone can be a trainer

Give them the tools and guidance. Maximize their sense of discovery and participation.

Empower them to keep searching for answers and explore in their own way. Ask for help and be prepared to share knowledge with others.

GoalsWhat training looks like: What training is actually like:Theory Behind it allSource: Alaska Statewide Mentor Project:Mentoring Model: NTC Formative Assessment System http://www.alaskamentorproject.org/mentoring_fas.phpMore Theory:What kind of assessment: before learning during learning after learningWhat training actually is like:Learn itBreak it downTeach itFollow upLearned!Questions?Learn itIf you dont know it, you cant teach it.

Make sure that you understand the database/topic on which you are training

A great way to learn something for training is by breaking it downLearn itBreak it downWhy do they need to learn this?What are the important concepts?What is unique about the subject?Out of 15 history databases, what makes Facts on File stand out?What are the differences between Chrome, Firefox, and Internet Explorer?How does the interface work? (if technology)

Learn itBreak it downTeach itMethodsOne-on-one vs. Group TrainingHands-on vs. Presentation

Different people learn different waysLearn itBreak it downTeach itMethodsDegree of InteractionInformalFormalPersonalSelf-taughtE-learningInterpersonalPeerInstructor-ledhttp://www.crito.uci.edu/papers/2005/DanzigerDunkle.pdfLearn itBreak it downTeach itTeach itToolsHandoutsAvoid paragraphs of textScreenshots allow for trainees to discover on their own

Checklists (or not (Dan hates checklists (no, really)))These may work for you or notExcel spreadsheets (checklists in disguise)Keep dates of trainings and follow-upsEasier to manage large staffLearn itBreak it downTeach itTeach itToolsVendor Webcasts/Tutorials/ResourcesMost, if not all, libraries all have vendors(EBSCO, Gale, etc.)They are selling their product and focus on the important aspectsDont reinvent the wheel

Training Manuals?How many people read the manual? -> Throw it out!Become outdated quicklyTechnology

Screen casting instructions

LibGuidesWikisLiveBinderTechnologyScreen CastingGreat tool used by trainers

Also a great tool that can be used by traineesAfter training, have the trainee record their processCapture screenCapture narrationAllows for greater discoveryPersonalized learningCan save time (multiple one-on-one sessions essentially)

http://xkcd.com/627/This is essentially what we do every time!19Learn itBreak it downTeach itFollow upTeach itOne training session is not always (and usually is not) enough for a trainee to sufficiently learn a topic. Be sure to follow-up and make sure that they grasp it. This is a great opportunity for you, as the trainer, to revisit the topic as well; you may find something that you missed previously.Learn itBreak it downTeach itFollow upTeach itTheyve grasped the topic, program, etc.What if the interface changes?What if they add something?What if they encounter something completely new?Trainers and trainees should always be learningThey also need someone as a resource.YouOther trainersPeersLearned!Learn itBreak it downTeach itFollow upTeach itSafe place to ask questions

Peer to peer resources

Scheduled follow-ups for more questionsLearned!Questions?Tips & Best Practices Make it funShow examplesSimple handouts

Reference batting practiceExamples that demonstrate homeruns, strikeouts, etc.Homerun = absolutely awesome reference encounterStrikeout = an encounter during which staff may have felt like they failed (opportunity for more training)Tips & Best Practices Show and TellTrainees show different things they learnedDifferent methods discussed

Let the trainee get hands-on

Broad instructions let them discoverTips & Best Practices Basic on interface, focus on tasksInterfaces may changeTasks will not (i.e. a Search for something)

Relate the training to the who, what & whyWho will use it?What is it/What is found there?Why would someone use it?Why do they need to know this?Tips & Best Practices It is easier to train staff who are on the same knowledge level

Dont be afraid to make mistakes!

Training on demandIf someone needs help with the copier and a staff member doesnt know how to use it, take the opportunity to show the staff member and the customer/patron.Never assume that someone knows something

No two people learn the same way, so trainers may need to adapt their training

Document what/whom you have trained

Lessons LearnedGo Live!Training Free & BreezyYou can do it! Just play with itTrainers: What we isTry it youll like it

Tell me and I will forget. Teach me and I will remember. Involve me and I will understand. Step back and I will act. Chinese ProverbWebjunction.org

The No-Nonsense Guide to Training in Libraries by Barbara Allan, Facet Publishing: 2013.

Designing Training (ACRL Active Guide #5) by Melaine Hawks, ALA: 2013.

Resources:Jennifer PetersContent Management and Discovery Services LibrarianGreenlease LibraryRockhurst Universityjennifer.peters@rockhurst.edu

Dan BrowerBranch Manager Parkville BranchMid-Continent Public Librarydbrower@mymcpl.org

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