Adult Learning Tip 1: Developing a Curriculum
When planning training classes, it is beneficial to use a check-list that highlights the major points to be considered in the lesson. This check-list will allow you to organize your questions and goals in developing a curriculum for your training classes.
Five Main Points
- Clear goals
- What is the point of the training?
- What are the expected outcomes of the training?
- Example: The point of the training could be to increase safety and prevention of accidents in the workplace. You should also clarify this for the trainees.
- What content will support the stated goals?
- Example: If the goal is to increase individual safety behavior around power sources at the mine site, what information should you present to reach that goal?
- Appropriate delivery mechanism
- How should you present material?
- Example: Teaching methods that draw on the knowledge of older workers in class and generate discussions with younger workers may be a very successful way to transfer knowledge, but that notion should be put to the test under given circumstances.
- How will you know if trainees have learned the content?
- How will you know if the learning goal was achieved?
- Example: A simulation might be used to teach miners critical escape skills. For these types of skills, a mastery of at least 90% of the exercise content is a reasonable standard. If an individual achieves the 90%, the goal has been met.
- What kind of an intervention should you plan or implement to provide additional support for the trainee?
- Example: If lack of understanding persists after having received initial instruction on a task, you should provide additional information, experience, discussion, etc. Remediation instruction should continue until the trainee displays mastery of the task or information.
For additional information contact:
Dr. Kathleen M. Kowalski-Trakofler, 412-386-4531, KKowalski@cdc.gov
Dr. Charles Vaught, 412-386-6830, CVaught@cdc.gov