Training of Trainers
by Dorathy Benjamin, AI Malaysia
“Remember; people remember what they see! So using creative methods to communicate is essential in effective facilitation.”
With that as a constant reminder, ten AI Malaysia volunteers set out to learn as much as possible within two days in effective facilitation skills. Having an experienced trainer, Mr Tan Jo Hann definitely helped. His 20 odd years as a trainer and an expert in Popular Communications Method, came in handy when dealing with a group of participants ranging from the ages of 22 to 50 plus years.
The two day training on 8-9 May 2004, tried to compress as much as possible on communications, teamwork and facilitation skills. It began with an exercise in artwork. All participants were asked to draw an image of their first recollection on when their rights were violated. It was an interesting exercise and a few realized earlier on that maybe drawing was one skill that they would need to learn! Jo Hann also taught the benefits of using audio visuals trainings.
The participants were then given exercises to emphasis the importance of listening and teamwork during a training session. It was emphasized time and time again, that trainers must always prepare thoroughly before a session, clearly know the objective of the session, and finally try and ‘troubleshoot’ as much as possible before a session. The trainer himself reaffirmed several times, the importance of participatory methods in trainings. In adult education, the sense of ownership of the process helps a participant to be able to identify with the issue addressed and will then be less hostile to change. This is extremely crucial especially in human rights education.
Other forms of media that was introduced were cartoons, photo stories, role-plays and videos. The participants learnt a part of the preparation process before a training was the identification of the appropriate media that would be used during the training. The trainer should also be able to think on his/her feet.
The finale of the programme was a series of simulation where the participants who had been divided into groups, were asked to run 20 minute trainings for the rest on particular issues. The process drove home most of the lessons that were learnt during the past two days and also assisted the participants to recognize their strengths and weaknesses.
In conclusion, the two day training was fun filled, educational and not too mention ‘tummy satisfying’ with yummy food! Most of the participants went home convinced on the importance of human rights education. As for the trainer, I am quite sure he too was motivated with the positive energy that was radiated during this particular training.