What Do Employees Learn in the Training Session?

Pros and Cons of Testing Employees on Training Topics

Pre-testing

You can use pre-testing in the early stage of content design and prior to finalizing learning objectives. When administered correctly, this approach allows a trainer to better form content to fulfill the learning objectives. This option takes the guesswork out of content generation and lets a trainer know what topics need the most attention. The other would be as part of the introduction to a training subject or topic. With this option, attendees get a read immediately on why they are here and what they are expected to learn.

 

When creating a pre-test, design questions that will check the knowledge level of the course content. This should not be a simplified version of the learning objectives, but instead a test of the knowledge needed for a learner to be successful in the training session. Focus more on “what they know” versus “what they do not know.”

 

Example: When training tellers on REG CC develop questions that indicate their understanding of the hold process for a pre-test. Or when training new accounts staff on proper procedures regarding a corporate account develop questions pertaining to definitions involved in the procedures and required documentation from the customer.

 

When administering a pre-test, lessen learner anxiety by explaining the process is simply to gauge the wide range of knowledge represented in the training session and that no grades will be recorded. The learner should always have ample time to complete any test and it should be given early enough that the trainer has time to analyze the results.

Post-testing

A well designed post-test should measure comprehension of the learning objectives and, where possible, changes in behavior and attitudes. Ask learners to provide examples of how they will put this new knowledge to use. Using a rating system, have learners rate feelings and attitudes towards training after completion and compare them to the same questions before training.

 

Use the results from post-testing to modify or correct future training. If a question is answered incorrectly by the majority of test takers, investigate the cause and make adjustments. Also, use results from testing to fine tune the questions for future use. With feedback from learners, try to gauge the understanding of what was asked and what was confusing or needed more clarity.

 

Post-testing also gives the opportunity for an open conversation with the learner and their supervisor. Share the results openly with the appropriate supervisors and ask that they follow up with the learner. Test results will give the supervisor information on which learning objectives were mastered by the learner and which concepts need reinforcement.

Still learning,

Honey

Embrace your failures

 
 

Our modern society conditions us to avoid fiascos. The thought of failing stresses us out when we are expected to impress our manager with exceptional results just as it did when we were kinds wanting to impress our parents in a school play.

While a failure might knock you down temporarily, it’s important to get back on your feet with the valuable lessons shrouded by the letdown. These lessons are often overlooked as we are preoccupied with feelings of shame.

Be mindful and don’t let discouragement hold you back. Embrace your failures and look for what they teach you instead of what you dread in them. Find that hard? Here is some advice to look at letdowns from a different angle:

• Let it be an inspiration. A bad experience will allow you to approach a future challenge with newly gained insights.


• Let it build your courage. When you are more comfortable with failing you’ll not only be able to take more risks, your mind won’t be clouded by anxiety and fear of failing again.


• Let it motivate you. When you know what disappointment feels like, you’ll be more focused and work harder to elevate yourself.

Still Learning,

Honey

Well Done is Rare!

How many people do you meet that really love what they do?  Seek out people who love what they do and that love where they work.  Interview them; ask lots of questions about what they do, why they love the job they have and the place where they work. Learn all you can from those that have what you want to have.  Maybe right now is the time for you to take stock of what you want, what you are willing to do to get it and get busy building a plan to accomplish what it is you would most like to do.

Due to a variety of circumstances and key factors such as education, opportunity abundance and location some of us have an advantage over others but loving what you do and where you do it is completely up to you.  Employers that want to attract and retain exceptional and productive workers are constantly evaluating what they need to have in place to encourage people to pursue being highly satisfied.  No doubt, this type of employer is rare - as rare as the employee that is pursuing what they love to do.

Become rare!  Don't waste another day refusing to take charge of your thinking and your actions.  If you need to work somewhere else build an extraordinary reputation where you are while you hunt for the right spot.  If you aren't appreciated at work become the most satisfied person that isn't appreciated you've ever met while you are seeking a place to work that can do a better job at appreciating others.

Discover where your passion is and pursue excelling at it. You won't love or even like every aspect of what you need to do to ultimately do a job you derive high satisfaction from. Maturity is about understanding you can't have it all but you can come very close. Wisdom is about understanding life, including work, is what you make of it. At times it will require relentless pursuit to obtain happiness; at times it will just seem like a breeze. Happiness and satisfaction are not for sissies.  Very much like the tide both roll in and roll out. Faith is knowing it will roll back in again.  

Don't wait to be happy.  Don't put off being satisfied with where you are.  Make a list of what you have to be grateful for every day.  Look around to see who you can say a prayer for or seek out someone that needs a smile.  Work at getting your mind off of topics that poison your spirit.  Foster kindness and courtesy by demonstrating it at least 10 times each day.  Let up on putting off being happy and satisfied.  Laugh more.  Add 10 acts of kindness on your to do list today.  Consider the law of the boomerang and realize what an amazing return on your investment is coming your way.  

Explore who you are, where your talents lie, learn all you can and deliver more than is expected.  Champion life!  Become dedicated to doing your best to earn respect while you earn your paycheck.  Build muscle around being happy and satisfied where you are now. In our culture we are brainwashed that you need more of this and that in order to be happy.  Look around and you will see abundance without gratitude is not happiness.

The pursuit of happiness at home, at work, at life is exciting, it's hard, it's disappointing, and it’s a joy.  Look what the caterpillar goes through to become a butterfly. 

This business of life and work can be a conviction of love or one of disgust.  It’s a choice.  What will you choose?

Still learning,

Honey