EFFECTIVE TRAINING METHODOLOGY

Training has become an important part of facility operation in the Department of Energy (DOE) complex. Ongoing changes in DOE requirements dictate that facilities must react to those changes promptly and effectively. This paper presents training techniques particularly suited to training adults, as contrasted with the educational process that most of us are familiar with as a result of our primary, secondary and perhaps college educations. DOE has established the Central Training Academy in Albuquerque for the purpose of providing specialized training to persons throughout the complex. However, much of the training for facility operating personnel must necessarily be conducted at those facilities, either by dedicated trainers or by persons who conduct training as a parttime activity. Techniques outlined in this paper should be of particular interest to persons involved in training at DOE facilities. Training should be designed with recognition that adults have real life experiences, which they often like to share; they also like to actively participate in the learning process. Participatory lecture, demonstration and practical exercise instructional methods are particularly suited to training of adults. Proper questioning techniques can be used to increase involvement and to obtain the feedback required to determine if learning has taken place. Setup of the room used for training and properly designed training aids can enhance the learning experience. Finally, testing should be used at the proper time and should always be designed around training objectives. INTRODUCTION Learning is simply defined as a change in attitude, skill or knowledge. Learning is obviously the goal for all of our training activities. Training is a highly specialized field. It is not a matter of merely handing out facts and information. It makes use of certain methods and techniques which must be mastered if training is to be effective. It has the sole purpose•* of guiding students in learning activities to allow them to be successful in the role for which they are preparing.