quote:

I don't see how the manager could possibly reinforce the learning unless they have previously had the same exact course (or at least very similar course)

Communication and agreement with the manager in advance that "these are the things the learner should be able to do" and "you need to let them do it the way they learn it"

In other words, the manager doesn't need to know what the learner knows. The manager simply need to be supportive -- ensuring that the learner is allowed time to have a learning curve, for example, or asking the learner how things are going and whether or not the learner needs additional support. Just checking in and being supportive. There's a lot more to being a manager than just making sure someone is doing a job.

FF and KaliKo...regarding role of managers....

...this is precisely why I encourage organizations to let the learners provide feedback on how the org is supporting the new skills/behaviors....

www.salonverite.com/PostTrainingSupport.pdf