I've found that the majority of my participants don't know how to take classes. Few take any kind of notes or even hilight or underline in the participant guide (which contains copies of all Powerpoint slides shown). It is hard for me to imagine taking a four-day course without taking some kind of notes. I generally do a series of mindmaps.

Do you tend to give class-taking tips or anything like that when you do training sessions? Do you give handouts? Are all your participants good active learners?

ohn,

I have always steered clear of using copies of PP slides...so can't offer any help there.

My approach includes three elements:

1. Create a resource (participant guide/workbook...etc) that is designed for use on the job . Some like to sequence material based on the delivery agenda (for convenience purposes). I prefer to sequence the material based on how people will use it in the real world, not the classroom.

2. Leave space for notes on the facing (left side) page. That way people can have the key learning points (ample-stand alone)on one side and their own custom "ah-ha's" on the other. Because my bias is for heavy participation I want people actively engaged in the learning rather than trying to transcribe what is being said.

3. Part of the start up dialogue (agenda-ground rules...et al) includes a brief discussion on "how-to use this resource." This is the time where you can walk through the workbook, introduce the layout, and offer any specific suggestions regarding notes...etc.

In the end, as you already know, it's a balancing act. Every person has different information needs. So, the more you can learn about your audience in advance, the better prepared you are for that start-up discussion.

I used to worry about it, but then -- these people are adults. You can lead a horse to water, and all that. I do make recommendations like - "you will want to take notes in your own words so that this sticks" - once in a while, but hey - if they're not interested in taking advantage of the learning opportunities, that is ultimately their decision.

If a company chooses to hire people who have no basic competencies, then yes -- perhaps the company should offer classes in basic competencies. Personally, I don't understand that particular hiring practice, but hey -- it's not my company.

One thing to think about -- perhaps they're not taking notes because they're being spoonfed all the information on power point slides? Not a personal jab -- I just see that happen all the time with spoonfeeding type scenarios.

Thanks.
Silverspur. I like your approach, but I have no choice. Ther company has years of experience with this format and is unlikely to change any time soon.

FF, these are often "public courses" where thare are participants from many companies. Actually the ppt slides are indeed notes. They do not include the full story. On purpose.

I suspect you can already recognize the real problem here. What you have asked for is a solution based on your (your company's)needs versus those of the learner.

If the company has been doing things this way for quite a while maybe it's time to consider adapting the materials to the learner.