How to Write and Prepare Training Materials - Softcover

STIMSON, Nancy

Softcover

ISBN 10: 0749437235 ISBN 13: 9780749437237

Publisher: Kogan Page, 2002

Synopsis

Packed with highly practical advice, this handbook will help managers, coaches and trainers ensure that their training materials are as effective as possible. Clearly explaining the essential techniques to employ when preparing all types of training materials for workshops, courses and seminars, whether handouts, reports, structured courses or material for use online, the book gives proven tips for improvement in the effectiveness of your training materials. Fully revised to take account of the differences in how and what we write and read in the digital age, this book considers all the possible materials that trainers and coaches may write, including: manuals; forms and questionnaires; course notes and handouts; course visuals; self-learning texts; reports; minutes of meetings; tables and charts; and Web pages. It also has helpful information on copyright issues, data protection, editing and punctuation. With step-by-step information and good and bad examples of material, this is the ideal handbook to help you write more effective training materials.

About this title

About the Author

Nancy Stimson is an experienced training and HR professional who has worked both as a freelance consultant and as a training and HR manager for various blue-chip organizations. Books she has written include <i> Coaching Your Employees</i> and <i>How to Write and Prepare Training Materials</i> (both published by Kogan Page).

Excerpt. © Reprinted by permission. All rights reserved.

<p><b>Part 1 -- Writing Basics </b><br><br> 1. Writing to be Read<br><br> Summary; Writers need to be read; Readers and objectives; Planning; Structure<br><br> 2. Choosing your Words<br><br> Summary; Writer's block; Finding the 'right' word; KISS; Useful guidelines; FOG Index<br><br> 3. Presenting your Material<br><br> Summary; How much does presentation matter?; Considerations for your presentation<br><br> 4. Editing and Revision<br><br> Summary; First review level<br><br> <b>Part 2 -- What Trainers Write </b><br><br> 5. Job Descriptions, Performance Standards, Performance Objectives and Competency Descriptions<br><br> Summary; Job descriptions; Performance standards; Performance objectives; Competency descriptions<br><br> 6. Procedures, Job Aids and Manuals<br><br> Summary; Procedures; Job aids; Manuals<br><br> 7. Forms and Questionnaires<br><br> Summary; Forms; Questionnaires; Attitude surveys; Tests<br><br> 8. Course Notes<br><br> Summary; Joining instructions; Trainer's notes; Trainer's review of the course<br><br> 9. Course Visuals<br><br> Summary; Rule 1 -- KISS (Keep it short and simple); Rule 2 -- PUP (Please use pictures); Rule 3 -- Use colour; Overhead transparencies; PC slides; 35mm slides; Other visual aids<br><br> 10. Course Handouts<br><br> Summary; Ready-made handouts; Do-it-yourself; Combination approach<br><br> 11.Course Exercises<br><br> Summary; Are exercises the easy option?; Identify objective; Outline problem; Devise solution; Prepare instructions; Dry-run exercise; Main types of exercises; Other exercises<br><br> 12. Self-learning Texts<br><br> Summary; What are self-learning texts?; Why should you write self-learning texts?; Specific objectives; Features of self-learning texts; Computer-based self-learning materials; Dry-running the material<br><br> 13. Web Sites<br><br> Summary; Why bother about a Web site?; What to include; Planning the site structure; Drafting the content; E-learning programmes; Course-booking and record-keeping systems; Maintaining your site<br><br> 14. Reports, Letters, Memos, E-mails and Minutes<br><br> Summary; Reports; Letters; Memos; E-mails; Minutes; Standard templates<br><br> <b>Part 3 -- For Reference... and Interest</b><br><br> 15. Source Material<br><br> Summary; Sources; People; Paper; Information on the Internet<br><br> 16. Legalities<br><br> Summary; Disclaimer; What is copyright?; What works are protected by copyright?; What can you not do?; Exceptions; Permission to copy or publish; Data protection<br><br> 17. Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling<br><br> Summary; 'Grammar is bunk' -- but is it?; Grammar -- points to consider; Does punctuation matter?; Spelling rules; US spellings; Conclusion<br><br> 18. Tables and Charts<br><br> Summary; Tables; Line graphs; Bar and column charts; Pie charts; Organization charts; Flowcharts; Decision trees; Chart packages<br><br> 19. Using Technology<br><br> Summary; Word processing; Spreadsheet packages; Presentation packages; DTP; Graphics and picture editing packages; Computer networks<br><br> Appendix 1 Further reading<br><br> Writing; Training materials<br><br> Appendix 2 Useful Web Sites<br><br> Appendix 3 Information Services</p>

Edition details

• Publisher: Kogan Page
• Publication date: 2002
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 0749437235
• ISBN 13: 9780749437237
• Binding: Paperback
• Edition number: 2
• Number of pages: 192