Making the Transition from Trainee to Trainer Dan

Making the Transition from Trainee to Trainer Dan Brower Branch Manager Parkville Branch Mid-Continent Public Library Jennifer Peters Content Management and Discovery Services Librarian Rockhurst University

Introduction �“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.

Goals �Anyone 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.

What training looks like: You teach it They learn it Finished!

What training is actually like: Learn it Break it down Teach it Follow up Learned! Questions?

Theory Behind it all Plan Reflect Teach/ Act Source: Alaska Statewide Mentor Project: Mentoring Model: NTC Formative Assessment System http: //www. alaskamentorproject. org/mentoring_fas. php

More Theory: Establish learning outcomes Use of data to improve student learning Collect and Analyze Assessment Data Develop assessment Actual learning experience

What kind of assessment: Diagnostic Assessment before learning Formative Assessment Summative Assessment during learning after learning

What training actually is like: Learn it Break it down Teach it Follow up Learned! Questions?

Learn it Break it down Teach it Follow up Learned! Questions?

Learn it �If you don’t know it, you can’t 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 down

Learn it Break it down �Why 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 it Break it down Teach it �Methods � One-on-one vs. Group Training � Hands-on vs. Presentation �Different people learn different ways

Break it down Learn it Teach it �Methods Degree of Interaction Informal Formal Personal Self-taught E-learning Peer Instructor-led Interpersonal http: //www. crito. uci. edu/papers/2005/Danziger. Dunkle. pdf

Break it down Learn it Teach it �Tools � Handouts �Avoid paragraphs of text �Screenshots allow for trainees to discover on their own � Checklists (or not (Dan hates checklists (no, really))) �These may work for you or not �Excel spreadsheets (checklists in disguise) Keep dates of trainings and follow-ups Easier to manage large staff

Learn it Break it down Teach it �Tools � Vendor Webcasts/Tutorials/Resources �Most, if not all, libraries all have vendors (EBSCO, Gale, etc. ) �They are selling their product and focus on the important aspects �Don’t reinvent the wheel � Training Manuals? �How many people read the manual? -> Throw it out! �Become outdated quickly

Technology Wikis Lib. Guides Screen casting instructions Live. Binder

Technology �Screen Casting � Great tool used by trainers � Also a great tool that can be used by trainees �After training, have the trainee record their process Capture screen Capture narration �Allows for greater discovery �Personalized learning �Can save time (multiple one-on-one sessions essentially)

http: //xkcd. com/627/

Learn it Break it down Teach it Follow up �One 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 it Break it down Teach it Follow up Learned! �They’ve 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 learning �They also need someone as a resource. � You � Other trainers � Peers

Learn it Break it down Teach it Follow up Learned! �Safe place to ask questions �Peer to peer resources �Scheduled follow-ups for more questions Questions?

Tips & Best Practices �Make it fun �Show examples �Simple handouts �Reference batting practice � Examples that demonstrate homeruns, strikeouts, etc. � Homerun = absolutely awesome reference encounter � Strikeout = an encounter during which staff may have felt like they failed (opportunity for more training)

Tips & Best Practices �Show and Tell � Trainees show different things they learned � Different methods discussed �Let the trainee get hands-on �Broad instructions let them discover

Tips & Best Practices �Basic on interface, focus on tasks � Interfaces may change � Tasks will not (i. e. a Search for something) �Relate the training to the who, what & why � Who 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 �Don’t be afraid to make mistakes! �Training on demand � If someone needs help with the copier and a staff member doesn’t know how to use it, take the opportunity to show the staff member and the customer/patron.

Lessons Learned �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

Tra inin g ! F e r e v e& i L B ree o zy G You can do it! Jus T ry it yo tp u ’ll like lay it wi th 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 Proverb

Resources: �Webjunction. 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.

Contact Us: Jennifer Peters Content Management and Discovery Services Librarian Greenlease Library Rockhurst University jennifer. peters@rockhurst. edu Dan Brower Branch Manager – Parkville Branch Mid-Continent Public Library dbrower@mymcpl. org