109. Explain the four components involved in designing a training program.
Experts believe that the design of training programs should focus on at least four related issues:
1. Instructional objectives describe the skills or knowledge to be acquired and/or the attitudes to be
changed.
2. Trainee readiness refers to whether or not the experience of trainees has made them receptive to the
training they will receive.
3. Principles of learning include goal setting, individual differences, active practice and repetition,
whole-versus-part learning, experiential learning, massed versus distributed learning, feedback and
reinforcement, meaningfulness of presentation and modeling.
4. Characteristics of instructors include knowledge, adaptability, sincerity, humor, interest, clear
instructions, individual assistance and enthusiasm.
110. Identify and discuss some of the desirable traits of a trainer.
The success of any training effort will depend in large part on the teaching skills and personal characteristics
of those responsible for conducting the training. Often a good trainer is one who shows a little more effort or
demonstrates more instructional preparation. However, training is also influenced by the trainer’s personal
manner and characteristics such as his or her knowledge of the subject, enthusiasm and sincerity, interest in
trainees, sense of humor, ability to communicate clearly, and willingness to provide individual assistance to
trainees. Because they can have a huge impact on the workforce, organizations should reward managers who
are excellent trainers. Too often managers are not recognized for their contributions to this important aspect of
HRM.
111. Briefly discuss the four basic criteria that are available to evaluate training.
The four basic criteria that are available to evaluate training are (1) reactions, (2) learning, (3) behavior, and
(4) results.
Criterion 1: Reactions
One of the simplest approaches to evaluating a training program is to assess participants’ reactions to it. In
addition to indicating whether they enjoyed the training, they can give insights into the content and techniques
they found most useful.
Criterion 2: Learning
Beyond what participants think about the training, did they actually learn anything? Testing the knowledge
and skills of trainees before and after a training program will help determine their improvement. The skill and
knowledge levels of employees who have undergone a training program can also be compared to employees