Training - Training small groups - Demonstrating Skills

When you need to learn a new skill the demonstration method is the most effective. Participants can learn complex tasks if they are broken down and each step is demonstrated in sequence.

The following steps should be kept in mind when demonstrating a task.

Give a short spoken overview of the whole skill.

* Tell the participants what you will be doing and how.

* You may want to show them an example of a finished product if appropriate.

* Find out what they already can do or know about the task.

Demonstrate the whole skill silently and at normal speed.

* Let participants concentrate on watching your actions.

* Make sure they can see everything you do.

* Make sure you follow all safety procedures appropriately.

Demonstrate again, slowly and describe each step.

* Explain everything they need to know about each step.

* Point out the things that need checking at certain steps of the process.

* Let participants get the feel of certain things, for example, buttons, temperature or texture, provided there is no safety risk.

* Encourage participants to ask questions.

Get participants to try the task with your help.

* Talk through the steps as you go.

* Help participants feel at ease and comfortable with the task.

* Encourage them to concentrate on each step and check their own performance.

Observe participants as they perform the task.

* Give positive, non-threatening feedback about their progress.

* Point out any mistakes or errors in a supportive way.

* Encourage participants to talk about their performance.

Some form of assessment must take place during or following the training session to ensure that participants have achieved the stated training objectives.

Assessment during or following the training sessions may involve observing performance and asking questions.

Tomorrow: Presenting Information

Mike Hitchen
Mike Hitchen Consulting