Learning has a much greater chance of success when the trainer or teacher is competent. An instructor that strives for excellence will demonstrate excellent qualities which makes him a Dynamic Trainer. In this article we will discuss about various qualities that a trainer should possess to make him successful.
Be patient
A Dynamic trainer needs to have incredible patience. The knowledge gap between the trainer & the learners are very wide & often learners are frustrated when introduced to new concepts and they need the trainer or teacher to re-frame the information in a way that will encourage them to see beyond a block in learning.
Explain it simply
A Successful Trainer needs to explain various complicated concepts simply. This makes learning a simple task rather than a tedious one. Often in an attempt to convey a new concept, poor trainers tend to over complicate with providing a high level of detail. A Dynamic trainer knows how to pull out the key concepts and points and to gradually build in the details over time once the basic concepts are understood. Often it takes up to three different introductions or exposures to a concept before learners retain the information. For example, present the key concepts in a short lecture, then discuss them within case studies and finally create an assignment around the key concepts.
Active learning helps a lot
Facilitating active learning is a more productive way of training a group.Lectures provide information to the masses but for true learning to occur, a dynamic trainer facilitates active learning by finding ways for the learner to uncover the key concepts through discovery and practice. This is done because the human mind is tuned to learn only what is needed for it & the process creates a need in the subconscious mind. Hands-on learning through discussions, quizzes, games, case studies, simulations, brainstorming etc. will engage the learner in the topic and facilitate their learning.
A creative approach is always necessary to create a variety in learning.Variety is the spice of life and it also spices up learning. A good teacher knows when to change gears and offer an activity or exercise that will shake up preconceived notions of learners and expand their perceptions. Here also the mind of the learners plays an important role. It is said that a certain individual can strictly concentrate only for about 20 minutes & after that every person needs a break or a change in the concentration area. This is done by Challenging learners by offering the unexpected and mixing up the delivery to appeal to the various learning styles and result in effective learning.
Be Nutral
A good teacher or a dynamic trainer remains neutral and encourages debates that explore the pros and cons of concepts. Racism, hate and ignorance should never exist in a classroom. A good trainer will demonstrate zero tolerance for unethical behaviors while, at the same time, encourage different viewpoints that help learners understand cultural diversity. This is really needed because true learning needs ethics & only a good trainer can keep things under control. He should definitely demonstrate an acceptance of different views.
A dynamic trainer needs to see the bigger picture for himself & break it down to his learners & should remember to link individual concepts with a bigger picture so that the learner understands the role each piece plays. When learners do not understand the bigger picture, they often feel confused as the learning feels disjointed. A successful trainer does not let this happen to his learners. He varies the level of complexities according to his group or team.
Motivate when needed
Motivating his team or group is one of the most important roles of a successful and dynamic trainer. It is truly said that Part cheerleader, part coach; a good trainer knows how to motivate learning through encouragement and support. Good teachers insist on the learner doing the work to uncover answers to problems while guiding them gently with encouraging words and hints to help steer them along in their discovery. Poor instructors give away answers and do the work for the learner. A Good instructor is very much successful encouraging.
Manage Resources
A good trainer should know how to identify appropriate resources that will enrich the knowledge of the trainees. A dynamic trainer also needs to provide his team or group with knowledge that relates to the main topic which will help them get the whole point. Internet research skills will help a trainer to pull out the best resources from the web and use them to the advantage of the trainees. Additional information on the specific topic always helps the trainees to gain confidence to tackle a work related problem. The assessments and exercises during the training program must help them to understand the topic from ‘A’ to ‘Z’.
Creating a safe and welcome environment helps create a learning ambiance which helps learners a lot. Adult learners need to feel that their classroom (be it virtual or not) is a safe place to express their concerns and ask questions. Learners sometimes feel threatened by a closed communicative environment will not learn and will usually drop out. Learning happens in an environment that fosters patience, simplified concepts, active learning, creativity, diversity of views, perspective, motivation, safety and organization. An organized instructor will gain instant respect from learners. Showing up on time as well as demonstrating that lessons are planned, prepared and relevant to the audience will impress learners. If an instructor can demonstrate a high level of competence, then learners will remain engaged.
Be a learner as well
‘A Dynamic Trainer’ needs skills to predict every situation that a trainee would face in the future He must have an in-depth knowledge of the key topics of the training program. A trainer must know what to teach and how to teach; where to begin and where to end. Identifying the areas where the trainees may need help and motivating them toward learning must be the primary focus. A trainer is also a learner. A trainer must be ready to learn something new every day. Then only, the training program will make the trainer as the best output of the organization.