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Explanation of the goals of training for an online course. Also refer to objectives, outcome, retention, memory, concepts, principles, rules, competencies, understanding, teacher, educator, trainer, communication, exercises, tests, quiz, computer-based training, CBT, web-based training, WBT, instructional design, Ron Kurtus, School for Champions. Copyright © Restrictions

Goals and Outcomes of Training

by Ron Kurtus (15 October 1999)

As a trainer, you need to be aware of the goals concerning the learners or students. Many simply think the goal is to teach the subject matter to the learner, but it goes beyond that. You have to look at what outcome you hope to achieve.

Questions you may have include:

• What goals or outcomes are desired?
• What is competency, knowledge and skill?
• How do you achieve these outcomes?

This lesson will answer those questions. There is a mini-quiz near the end of the lesson.

Goal of training

The goal of training a person is to impart a skill. In other words, the desired outcome of the training process is that the learner is sufficiently skilled in performing a task such that he or she can pass a competency test proving that skill.

Skills

There are hard skills such as learning to perform a task, and there are soft skills such as learning to deal with other people.

To learn a skill, you need to remember facts and the steps to follow. Then you need to be able to apply that knowledge and have the physical and/or mental coordination to perform the task. The learner does not necessarily have to understand the principles of the subject matter in order to be skilled at performing the required tasks.

Achieving outcomes

The following simplified process should result in the achievement of the desired outcomes of training:

1. Communicate knowledge and information
2. Reinforce through exercises
3. Test to verify outcome

Summary

The desired outcome of training is the achievement of a skill. The method to achieve that outcome is by communicating information, reinforcing and testing for verification.

Answers to Readers' Questions

Setting goals to assist others will benefit you

Resources

The following are some resources on this topic.

Web sites

Training Resources

Books

Top-rated books on Training

Miscellaneous

Mini-quiz to check your understanding

1. What is the goal of training?

2. How can you tell training is successful?

3. Why isn't understanding necessary for most skills?

If you got all three correct, you are on your way to becoming a champion in training. If you had problems, you had better look over the material again.

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The Goals of Training