What is the best way to create training documentation for "side by side" training? I am working with a client who trains associates one at a time using SME's but they don't have any documentation. I'd like create job aids, outlines, or whatever to help them but I'm not sure what might work best. Any suggestions?

Hi Kirk,

What you are asking for (side-by-side) training is basic structured on-the-job training (OJT). And you are absolutely right in creating training documentation - or training modules. It's fairly easy to create the proper documentation so long as you have identified the tasks that need training. Make sure the tasks are in short bits of information - something that can be taught and learned in about one-half hour or less.

If the task cannot be taught and learned in approx. 1/2 hour, break it down into smaller tasks. You may have to do this several times until you have a complete list of tasks. If you end up with a long list, don't be overwhelmed. Writing the training modules actually goes very quickly once you get the hang of it.

For each task, develop a template consisting of a two-column format. Column 1 is for the "what" - i.e., what are the individual steps for accomplishing the task. Column 2 includes the "why," "when," "where," "how," "quality," and "safety concerns" - fill in Column 2 info for each step in Column 1 as applicable.

The important thing is that the information be very clear - all accronyms spelled out, plain terminology as used on the job, etc.

The info must also be at the right level of detail for the trainee. If in doubt, write to the lowest common denominator. Most trainers, regardless of delivery method, assume that the typical trainee will know more than he/she actually does. That's the single biggest downfall of any training experience.

The two-column format works very well. I've done experiments with many different formats, and this one is by far the most popular - and also the easiest for both trainers and trainees to work with.

The easiest, fastest, and most accurate way to get the training modules written is to get a team of SMEs together for an hour or two at a time, and have them write the training modules - you will need to facilitate the team sessions.

Good luck! If you contact me via P.M. I can send you some examples.

In addition to KaliKo's valuable suggestions, two other things come to mind: real, usable, job aids and videos.

Create some brief, small step-by-step guides. These would likely be easily created by extracting the info from the tools KaliKo suggested. This would be especially valuable if the tasks are step oriented with multiple options along the way.

With the cheap good-quality video cams (e.g. Flip) available today, you could video an SME or even a trainee or trainee/SME combo performing the task and post those on a company site. Repeated viewing might help some visual learners in the group. No need for a pro videographer (and that might even detract from the "genuineness' of the video). Just film and upload.

Thank you KaliKo & traverjjm - I greatly appreciate the time you took to give me some valuable feedback. I like both of your ideas and I think I'll try to combine them in some fashion. I like the two column approach for getting the job specific information and then I think creating a job aid for the new hire & trainer (SME) to have will help give stucture to the training experience. Do either of you happen to have an example of a job aid you may have used in the past to give me an idea of the format that you like to use?

I don't have any that I can share because the only ones I have are owned by clients.

One I did was 8.5x11 or card stock. It was designed for programmers who tend to use loose leaf notebooks (not so true now!). I also did one that was taped to the side of a monitor.