An interesting statistic is appearing across the RTOs I am visiting or reviewing. This is the fact that most trainers hate session plans and even refuse to develop them. I am perplexed with finding because I can see clear benefits for the trainers, the RTO and the students.
So let’s look at what a session is:
- a set of notes prepared by the trainer to show in logical order what they want to happen in a training session.
- a guide for the conduct of the session.
- A document or handout of the Powerpoint slides (6 on 1 page)
The plan sets the timeframes, the topics, specifies what has to be done, in what sequence and with what aids, resources, reference to pages in the workbooks, handouts, activities and equipment.
By having a standard session plan in the RTO new trainers should be able to conduct the session without any further assistance if the session plan is developed properly. You need to consider the benefits as a contigency plan as well. What if one of your trainers called in sick? A session plan provides that valuble guidance to the trainer who steps up to the task at the last minute.
Session plans are an easy resource to peruse when preparing for the sessions.
I don’t believe they should be cast in stone, instead recommend the trainer uses it as a guide until they are comfortable to digress from the session plan and you have a reason to do so, then you should. There are plenty of times when you find your students need some other aspect of knowledge or skill development that fits with the topic, rather than the one planned on the session plan. Skilful trainers are flexible ones!
I totally recommend you have them developed for your training sessions so you can use them for new trainers, to review the training delivery. Also update them when new industry developments require.
Ask your trainers to record everything they do in the session, then type it up. Add resources, equipment and other important information…and voila… all done.