An e-mail newsletter for people who train staff who
serve people with developmental disabilities.

Training or Learning?

Ellen Hierl
Education Specialist
Ask Ellen a Question

So, it’s time to train new staff. You have eight hours in which to transfer the needed information to the learner. However, you have about 10 hours of materials to cover. You enter the training session with the mind-set of, “Buckle up, hang on, and let’s get this done.” At the end of the day, you have accomplished your goal of covering all the materials, but have you met your greater goal of trained learners?

Too Much—Too Fast

Often, in our rush to get new staff trained to do their jobs, we pour out vast amounts of information in very short periods of time. This makes it difficult, if not impossible, for learners to gain the desired knowledge and skills.

Technically we can say that we trained that person, but is our goal really only to say we “taught” them that information? Wouldn’t a better goal be having the person learn?

Train to Learn

There are several ways you can help learners acquire the knowledge and skills you are endeavoring to teach.

• Planning
• Clear objectives. Good training begins with clearly defined objectives. Determine exactly what you want the learner to know at the end of the session.
• Stick to the plan. Look carefully at what you are teaching. If it doesn’t fit the objectives, it probably doesn’t belong in the training.

• Identifying
• Say it. Tell your learners exactly what you want them to know or be able to do at the end of the session. For instance, you might say, “I’m going to give you a lot of information on fire safety. When we are done, I want you to remember that in a fire, your priority is to get the most people out in the least amount of time.”
• Repeat it. Continue to remind the learners of what they must remember or be able to do at the end of the session. Repetition enhances learning.
• Equipping
  By now you are probably thinking, “But they need to know it all.” I agree with you, but the fact is they will not retain everything. Instead of expecting that they will, do the following:
• Tell them. As I said earlier, tell them exactly what is vital to remember.
• Give them tools. Give them the resources they need in order to go back and refresh their memories of the materials you presented. Some tools you may consider are handouts, workbooks, web sites, resource lists, reference manuals, videos . . . you get the idea.

Ellen Hierl, Education Specialist
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
About Ellen | Ask Ellen a Question

Share your training tips, tales, techniques and opinions with other SIDELINES readers.

Vote in this issue’s reader survey.

Last Issue’s Survey

Do you find yourself using jargon that your audience may not understand?

Never—I'm too good of a trainer to do that.	0%
Hardly ever—I’m close to perfect in this area but will admit to slipping up sometimes.	26%
Sometimes—Okay, I’m human, give me a break.	71%
Routinely—It forces people to be independent learners, so I do it on purpose.	3%
Always—I think it makes me look smart, so I use it all the time.	0%

More Reader Surveys

Free Shipping until April 30, 2006

Purchase your staff education materials by April 30, 2006, and receive FREE regular shipping! No minimum order. Free shipping does not apply to expedited, priority or overnight shipping.

Shop Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog

Top

Bethesda remains steadfast in its efforts to provide you with new and updated staff development video titles. Shop Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog

Abuse and Neglect

Abuse and neglect is a harsh reality that affects the lives of many people with developmental disabilities. Statistics indicate that people with developmental disabilities are 4-10 times more likely to be victims of abuse or neglect than are people without developmental disabilities. Therefore, it is important that workers in this field know how to prevent, recognize the signs of, report any suspicions of, and assist the victims of abuse and neglect.

Learn more and view a preview of
Abuse and Neglect

Fundamentals of Effective Communication

Communication is an integral part of our day-to-day lives, but just because we do it all the time does not mean we always do it well. Whether your communication is with a family member, coworker or someone you support, being able to communicate well will ensure that the messages you are giving and receiving are understood by everyone. With a little work, we all can be good communicators.

Learn more and view a preview of
Fundamentals of Effective Communication

Six New Titles!

Priced at just $25 per title, Bethesda’s Independent Study Modules offer an affordable and convenient method for staff training. Check out our newest titles and the new 18-volume set:

• Assessing Behavior
• Basic Back Care
• Confidentiality
• Medication Effects and Reactions
• Pressure Sores and Inactivity
• Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease

New! Independent Study Module 18-volume Set
Individual titles from Bethesda’s collection of Independent Study Modules cost $25 each; however, you may now purchase all 18 titles in an 18-volume set for $375. That’s a $75 savings!

What are Independent Study Modules?

• Paper-based training presented in a self-paced format that is easy for staff to read and understand.
• A convenient alternative to traditional training classes, ideal for late-night or weekend-shift staff.
• Training content with accountability through interactive activities and competency testing.
• Versatile tools for self-directed individual study or for small-group training.
• A ready reference and great refresher for veteran staff.
• Conveniently packaged for storage in your filing cabinet or 3-ring binder.

What do Independent Study Modules include?

• Study manual
• Worksheet and answer key
• Competency measure and answer key
• Engaging activities
• Permission to make as many copies as your agency needs

Shop Bethesda's Staff Development Catalog

Subscribers to SIDELINES are automatically entered in a monthly drawing for a FREE single video of their choice. If you receive an e-mail from SIDELINES with subject, “SIDELINES Video Drawing,” all you have to do is reply within one week and the video of your choice from Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog is free!

Last issue’s winner was Tammy Voss from Harmony Living in Longview, Texas. Tammy selected “Abuse and Neglect” as her free video.

Help Your Friends Out
Do you have friends who would be interested in receiving SIDELINES and being entered into our monthly drawing? Just forward your copy of this e-mail to your friends. All they have to do is use the information at the end of this e-mail to sign up.

Bethesda’s Develop Your Staff Section
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/

Bethesda’s Staff Development Catalog
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/catalog/
New Video Release
- Fundamentals of Effective Communication
- Abuse and Neglect
New Independent Study Modules
- Assessing Behavior
- Basic Back Care
- Confidentiality
- Medication Effects and Reactions
- Pressure Sores and Inactivity
- Understanding Alzheimer’s Disease
- Independent Study Module 18-volume Set

SIDELINES Home
Browse previous issues.
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/sidelines/

SIDELINES Mail Bag
Vote in our survey!
www.blhs.org/resources/developStaff/sidelines/mailBag/

About us

Your comments are encouraged.
Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.
Attn: National Christian Resource Center (NCRC)
600 Hoffmann Dr.
Watertown, WI 53094

ncrc@blhs.org
1.800.369.4636, ext. 4449
920.262.6513 (fax)
www.blhs.org

If this e-mail has been forwarded to you and you would like to receive future editions of SIDELINES, visit http://www.blhs.org/e/go.asp?sm=sidelines to sign up.

To unsubscribe, send a blank e-mail to providers-unsubscribe@blhs.org. You will receive a confirmation e-mail. Reply to the e-mail to remove yourself from the active subscriber list.
Top

© 2006 Bethesda Lutheran Homes and Services, Inc.