Pre-work

A training is effective if everyone is engaged, sharing ideas and working together. Pre-work can help you achieve this by making sure learners come prepared and ready to participate. Pre-work enhances the training by:

•  providing a common foundation and context for collaborative work,
• ensuring learnersthe time to absorb information at their own pace, on their own time,
• preparing the learners to use th etools and technology involves,
• giving all parties involved th eopportunity to get to knoe each other befor the training.

Selection of the Pre-Work:

1. What change in knowledge or behavior is desired at the completion of the training program?
2. What information do the participants need to learn on their own?
3. What is a reasonable amount of information for participants to absorb?
4. What is a reasonable amount of time to expect participants to do the pre-work?
5. What format(s) will be most effective for the participants to learn and retain the information?

Logistics:

1. Are the necessary systems in place to house the pre-work and document its completion?
2. How will access to the pre-work be ensured for all participants?
3. How much time should elapse between completion of the pre-work and attendance in the class?
4. How will the pre-work information be reinforced until attendance in the class?

Communication Regarding the Pre-Work

1. How will the participants be notified about the pre-work?
2. How will the participants be encouraged to complete the pre-work?
3. How will participants be reminded to complete the pre-work?

Completion of the Pre-Work:

1. Will participants be given work time to do the pre-work- and if so, how much time?
2. What will be the deadline for the completion of the pre-work?
3. How will completion of the pre-work be documented?
4. Is there a way to mandate completion of the pre-work?

Integration of the Pre-Work into Class Activities:

1. How will retention of pre-work information be checked at the beginning of the class?
2. How will the pre-work information be incorporated into the class for participants who did not complete the pre-work?