Learner Focused Training
To raise the standards of IT training, at Happy and elsewhere, we have developed a new trainer certification. The learning outcomes of this certification, Learner Focused Training, have been assessed by OCR as equivalent to a level 3 qualification on the National Qualifications Framework. This means achieving LFT qualifies a trainer for Associate level membership of the Institute of IT Training.
Course evaluations generally contain questions on whether the course objectives were met and whether the students' personal objectives were met. Think for a moment about which of these is most important.
We believe it is more important that the students' personal objectives are met, to ensure the course fulfils the aim of making them more effective in their work. But trainers are too often focused on the course objectives, on delivering what they have planned. LFT changes all that and move the focus back to meeting the needs of the students.
Learner Focused Training is the result of a year’s consultation and sharing of best practice between some of the leading practitioners in IT Training: This included trainers from Happy Computers, DLA, Pfizer, CMS Cameron McKenna and the NHS. Between them these organisations were responsible for almost half the winners at the 2004 IT Training Awards.
Each trainer undertaking LFT will start a journey based on the best practice that currently exists in the IT training industry. The elements of LFT include:
Focus on the Key Question Approaches that Work
Development of LFT has focused on which questioning approaches maximise learning. Trainers will learn how to make best use of open, guided questions to help the learner find the answers themselves.
Flexibility Within a Framework
LFT is structured to create the framework for great training, while enabling the flexibility for a trainer to incorporate their own style.
Focus on Questions and Involvement – and on Creative Use
The key here is 'rich involvement', not rote use of questions. How do you maximise involvement to create a great learning experience?
Learner Focused
As the title implies, the approach is based on the needs of the learner. The trainer seeks to make the subject relevant to each individual and to their work. They have the scope to alter the content based on what the learners need.
Learner Objectives or Course Objectives
Most end-of-course evaluations include two questions: "Have the course objectives been met?" and "Have your objectives been met?". Think about which of these is most important.
We believe the second question is the key one. It is more important that a learner has met their objectives than the course objectives have been met. The LFT methodology is based around this concept, ensuring that every individual gets what they need out of a course.
Plain English objectives
Under LFT, objectives must be task-focused, understandable and measurable.
Real Training Skills, not Scripts
Some approaches use scripts, where trainers write out exactly what they need to say in a session. There are no scripts in LFT, as in real life these are not practical and would lead to rigid and inflexible training. LFT is based on preparing trainers for the real world, where they will be expected to change and respond throughout a training day.
Three Grades of LFT: allows progression for trainers
- Grade 1: Certification of basic training skills achieved at the end of the course
- Grade 2: Same skills as Grade 1, but achieved in a real training environment
- Grade 3: A higher level of skills, involving flexibility and creativity
The aim of LFT is to provide a progression for trainers, from basic training capability up to a recognition of advanced training skills.
Advanced Training Skills
To qualify for grade 3 of LFT, a trainer must have mastered a range of advanced skills. These include use of creativity in the classroom, group work, problem-solving and methods like 'Experience before explanation'. Use of all of these must be clearly focused on enabling the learner to meet their objectives.
Public Courses in London – and Training Around the UK
A full schedule of public courses will be available in Central London. In addition LFT training can be provided for groups of trainers throughout the country.
