Key Points
- Train the Trainer (TTT) helps facilitators build confidence to lead instructor-led training sessions effectively.
- A successful TTT session ensures facilitators understand the material and can provide relevant examples for learners.
- Effective facilitators possess traits such as adaptability, tech-savviness, strong communication skills, approachability, and openness to feedback.
Train the Trainer (TTT) is an important step that helps facilitators build the confidence to lead an instructor-led training (ILT) session. Think of TTT as a dress rehearsal. Throughout a Train the Trainer session, facilitators complete the following:
Ready to learn more about Train the Trainer? Let’s dive into what Train the Trainer is, why Train the Trainer is important, and the 5 traits of an effective facilitator.
- Check their understanding of the material and how it should be facilitated
- Ask questions about their facilitator guide
Table of Contents
What Is Train The Trainer?
Train the Trainer (TTT) is an important step that helps facilitators build the confidence to lead an instructor-led training (ILT) session. Throughout a Train the Trainer session, facilitators complete the following:- Check their understanding of the material and how it should be facilitated
- Ask questions about their facilitator guide
Why Is Train The Trainer Important?
Think of TTT as a dress rehearsal. The better the Train the Trainer session, the more successful a facilitator will be when leading the ILT because it ensures they understand the training material and context that the training will be delivered in. In knowing this, facilitators can provide relevant examples to help learners transfer information from the classroom to the real world and leverage their existing knowledge and experience.A key part of Train the Trainer involves reviewing the facilitator guide that was provided prior to the Train the Trainer. This guide is an important tool because it provides facilitators with a roadmap of their session with detailed notes, questions to prompt discussion, and group activities to utilize. During the Train the Trainer, facilitators can ask questions about the facilitator guide and ensure understanding of the material and how it should be facilitated.
5 Traits Of An Effective Facilitator
- Adaptable – Facilitators should be flexible in their approach, meaning they assess their learners’ needs, abilities, and interests. By adapting to their learners, facilitators can adjust their style and facilitate a session that works for everyone.
- Tech-savvy – With VILT on the rise, facilitators need to have a basic level of technological fluency to accommodate remote learners and navigate remote learning platform features (e.g. organize breakout rooms, provide login information, etc.)
- Solid communicator that can relate to learners – Facilitators should be straightforward, concise, and engaging with their communication style to help connect with learners.
- Approachable – Apart from verbal communication, facilitators should aim to maintain appropriate body language, facial expressions, and eye contact to make learners feel comfortable.
- Open to feedback – Feedback is a crucial part of being a facilitator, as learners provide reviews that can help trainers improve their instruction. By being open to feedback, facilitators gain insight into the thoughts of their learners and can better meet their needs by revising their instruction.
FAQ
What is Train the Trainer (TTT)?
Train the Trainer (TTT) is a process that helps facilitators build the confidence needed to lead instructor-led training (ILT) sessions.
Why is Train the Trainer important?
TTT is important because it acts as a dress rehearsal, ensuring facilitators understand the training material and context, which leads to more successful training sessions.
What are some traits of an effective facilitator?
Effective facilitators are adaptable, tech-savvy, solid communicators, approachable, and open to feedback.
How does TTT prepare facilitators for virtual training?
TTT ensures that facilitators are prepared to run training sessions, whether in-person or virtually, by helping them understand the material and how to engage remote learners.
