Description

Discussion 1

A successful trainer needs to effectively engage various types of trainees and adapt quickly in the learning environment to meet their needs. Chapter 8 of the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text lists and offers tips on dealing with different participant personalities. Review the three scenarios below. Discuss how you would effectively engage and manage each group of participants in a 2-day training seminar. Apply two to three specific adult learning principles and/or techniques to each of the scenarios listed below.

Scenario A
Your colleague is a training specialist who has just concluded an activity on techniques for overcoming challenges in the classroom. He clearly understood the content, but did not ask questions of the group to confirm their understanding. In addition, when explaining activities, the directions were not clear and there was never an opportunity to ask for clarification. What constructive feedback would you give to your colleague?

Scenario B
Your colleague is a department manager who has just opened a training session. Her opening included group introductions, but she went directly into presenting content. About an hour later, a few participants began talking out of turn. What feedback would you give to your colleague on the impact this may have had on participants, and what could have been done differently to avoid this situation?

Scenario C
Your colleague is a human resources manager who just completed an activity followed by a group discussion. The activity went well, but the debrief did not. As the facilitator, he had trouble getting the group to answer his questions. The group did not appear to be very engaged. What feedback could you give him on how he could get participants to participate?

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

  • What did you learn from the posting?
  • What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?
  • What clarification do you need regarding the posting?
  • What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?
  • What are the differences or similarities in the techniques recommended in your discussion compared to those identified by others?
  • Analyze the recommendations made by others for each scenario. Do you agree or disagree with the recommendations? Why or why not? Provide examples where possible.

Discussion 2

There are several instructional methods and activities that can be used to deliver training. As a trainer, you should have a broad awareness of different kinds of instructional methods so that you can recommend and utilize the most appropriate solutions for the specific learning objectives.

List and describe three types of training methods. What type of activity is it? What types of activities precede and follow it? What learning style(s) does this activity accommodate? What adult learning characteristics does this activity incorporate? Discuss the pros and cons of each method. Lastly, using Bloom’s taxonomy, create a training objective for each instructional method. Be sure to consider the specific skills and knowledge to be learned in the training in order to appropriately apply each instructional method.

Your initial post should be 250 to 300 words. Use this week’s lecture as a foundation for your initial post. In addition to the Blanchard and Thacker (2013) text, use at least one additional scholarly source to support your discussion.

Respond to at least two other posts regarding items you found to be compelling and enlightening. To help you with your reply, please consider the following questions:

  • What did you learn from the posting?
  • What additional questions do you have after reading the posting?
  • What clarification do you need regarding the posting?
  • What differences or similarities do you see between your initial discussion thread and your classmates’ postings?
  • Ask each other questions about why the specific training methods were selected.
  • How do the types of training methods selected by your classmate apply to other learning style(s)?
  • Analyze your classmates’ training objectives. Do the learning objectives describe the key conditions, observable performance/behavior, and set the standard for performance? What modifications would you suggest to ensure that trainees understand the expectations clearly?

Discussion 3

Imagine a performance evaluation system that promotes roles, behaviors, and work outcomes appropriate to achieve organizational strategic objectives throughout the firm. Take into consideration the Two Sides of Performance Management as illustrated in your textbook on page 164, Figure 6.1. What would such a system look like? Would it be similar to the one used in your organization? How would individual and/or team performance assessment be conducted? What tools would you recommend? Would you use MBO, 360 Degrees or another system? Why? Present your views in 200 words or more in your discussion post. Use at least two scholarly source to support your ideas.

Discussion 4

Consider the proposition that HRM adds value to the firm. Also, examine the topic of “Marginal Utility Analysis” and how it is used to make a case about the value of HRM. How do HRM practices and systems add value to a firm? What is the basis for an argument for or against this proposition? Present your views in 200 words or more in your discussion post. Use at least one scholarly source in your response to support your ideas