Train the Trainer training: an example case study exercise for workshops

Our Train the Trainer programme is a bespoke service although an off-the-peg version is available – for an idea of what this would include see our Train the Trainer training page. Also see related blog What is Kolb’s Learning Cycle?

Below is an example training exercise from a past Train the Trainer workshop, where delegates are asked to address issues in a hypothetical training session they are running.

If you have an queries about Train the Trainer or if there’s any other information which you’d like to see provided on our website don’t hesitate to leave a comment, email enquiries@lcp.org.uk or call.

Train the Trainer exercise – a workshop case study

You are co-facilitating a workshop with your colleague and have eight delegates on the programme. Generally things are going well but one of the delegates is really quick and is picking up things much faster than the others. You have noticed that they are getting bored and tending to do their own thing on the PC whilst waiting for everyone else to catch up.

At the other end of the spectrum you have a delegate who is really struggling both with their basic PC skills e.g. operating the mouse and using the keyboard, as well as finding their way around the software menus. They are very slow and really finding it difficult to keep up – on the last exercise the group had to wait five minutes for them to finish before moving on to the next activity.

Your Task

In your group discuss and make notes under the following questions:

- How should you adjust the pace of the course to ensure maximum learning for the delegates?
- What actions can you take to support the slow learner?
- What actions can you take to ensure the quick learner does not get bored and switch off?

Possible solutions

- Move delegates’ positions to group them roughly according to their levels
- Consider asking the more advanced to then aid the others
- Incorporate group work tasks where levels are mixed
- Prepare extra exercises for the more advanced
- Work one-to-one with individuals
- None of these solutions appropriate? Don’t be afraid to give them an early coffee break…. The important thing is to monitor all delegates and be seen to act on any problems

Benefits of using case studies in training workshops

- Case studies can be tailored to be completely relevant to an organisation’s problems or everyday scenarios
- They use experiential learning, a neccessary step in the learning cycle for effective learning to have taken place; knowledge is embedded and can be used
- They involve group learning so that knowledge and experience can be shared

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