Creating Train the Trainer Manuals

Giving Instructors Guidelines for Presenting a Specific Curriculum

Apr 30, 2009 Joni Rose

Creating train-the-trainer or instructor manuals allow for consistency and ease when instructors present a training event multiple times.

Creating a Train the Trainer Manual is a different process than creating participant manuals. Participant manuals are typically a binder or workbook with an outline of a course, workshop, symposium or other training event. A participant’s manual can contain worksheets, self evaluation quizzes, exercises and project descriptions. Typically, participant manuals also contain reference materials for more detailed information on the subject.

Instructor manuals or Train-the-trainer manuals are designed to help an instructor deliver a specific curriculum. They include all of the content of the participant’s manual but with more information to help the instructor structure the lesson plans and delivery of the curriculum.

Training Schedule

If the content is broken down into modules or classes, an instructor’s manual gives the time required for each portion of the curriculum. To make it easy for the instructor, provide the schedule as a soft or electronic copy with a column for the instructor to add in dates and times to customize the training schedule each time the training is offered.

Quizzes and Tests

Include multiple versions of quizzes (not included in the participant or student manual) and tests in an instructor’s manual.

Marking Guidelines and Keys

Marking guidelines and keys for tests or quizzes ensure that there is consistency in grading from one offering of the training to the next.

Handout Originals

Provide good originals (soft and hard versions) of handouts that will need to be photocopied.

Presentations

Provide a disk that includes soft copies of PowerPoint presentations. Create both a presenter’s (which includes presentation speaking notes) and a participant’s version.

Activities

For each interactive activity, provide a list of supplies, a timeline for the activity, as well as instructions and templates. Activities can include icebreakers, games, group activities, assignments, case studies, simulations, discussions, inbox exercise and so on.

Templates

Attendance lists, marking records and evaluation forms and other teaching tools are another great addition to a train-the-trainer manual.

Compile the various components into a binder with dividers. If you are providing the manual to instructors in an educational institution, include information on fire exits and safety information; bathroom locations; smoking restrictions and other rules and regulations that the instructor will need to discuss with students.

Instructor or train-the-trainer manuals allow multiple offerings of a training event to be delivered consistently. Offering templates in an instructor’s manual dramatically cuts down on instructor preparation time. The time it takes to create an instructor’s manual is well worth the effort if the end result means the training is turn key.

The copyright of the article Creating Train the Trainer Manuals in Training/Professional Development is owned by Joni Rose. Permission to republish Creating Train the Trainer Manuals in print or online must be granted by the author in writing.

Creating Instructor Manuals

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