Importance of Learning about the Trainee Using Personal Attributes
Knowing and understanding the personal attributes of trainees is fundamental in the design and success of a training program. There are trainees who are pre-disposed to the benefits of learning and are open-minded as to the value of training in general. There are other types of trainees with negative views on learning who are likely enter training with a cynical view of the benefits associated with training. We can think of these two types of trainees as opposite ends of a continuum. All trainees fall within the parameters of these two extremes of the continuum.
More often than not, most if not all employees need to participate in certain forms of training. There are no exceptions unless someone purpose- fully avoids attending. Because of the mix of different types of trainees, designers of training programs need to consider the non-homogeneity factor when designing a training program. One approach is to design training with homogeneous sub-groups within a training program. This is doable without any stigma attached to being in “the wrong” group. For example, designers can suggest grouping based on prior experiences, prior training, etc. and let trainees self-select. Naturally formed homogeneous sub-groups can then have instructional methods best suited for each of these groups of trainees.
