What are Training Paths and how to construct them Erasmus+ project “Multi-purpose center for adult education in clean environment – ECO-Center” Tips on Training Paths What are Training Paths and how to construct them 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645

What is a Training Path? Training Path (TP) is: 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 What is a Training Path? Training Path (TP) is: A chosen route, taken by a learner through a variety of e- learning activities, which allows him/her to build knowledge progressively A conscious choice made by the trainee that moves away the control of choice from the trainer to the trainee An ideal sequence of training activities that drives trainees to reach proficiency on a chosen studied subjects in the shortest possible time Considering training as a complete process rather than a single event, a Training Path enables trainees and trainers to find new ways of training, which lead to improved results and reduced costs

What is a Training Path? Training Path (TP) is personal 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 What is a Training Path? Training Path (TP) is personal It is a learner-centered approach of training that emphasizes learner-specific goals, objectives, and preferences Each training activity gives a better understanding of the topic, and provides training professionals with the opportunity to identify the individual’s learning style and needs It gives trainees control over their own training experience, so that they can more effectively acquire and retain knowledge and skills that will help them in professional context

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 1 - Consider the overall training goals of a course, programme, curriculum Identify training priorities on the basis of thorough analysis; The goals and objectives of the TP must be an integral part of the training experience as a whole The individual plan must effortlessly blend the training course essentials with the needs and desires of each learner Trainees’ individualized goals and objectives must also walk away from the former experience within the key subject matter

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 2 – Make trainees feel empowered Allow them to choose which training activities they complete NEXT Offer them options on how they receive the training content Offer them options which way of assessment they will take: e.g. online scenarios, multiple choice exams, essay online assessments, etc. Make them feel like they have a direct vote in the training process Do not tell trainees how, what, and when they are going to learn

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 3 – Focus on online self-assessments Offer trainees online self-assessments that they can take on their own Provide quizzes or simulations that enable trainees to test their own progress and knowledge comprehension Include an option that offers them the opportunity to correct their mistakes and receive the right information Make them aware of the fact that trainers are there to offer support

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 4 – Create recurrent milestones Offer trainees the chance to check their progress along the TP and ensure that they are on the proper one Allow trainees more control: make a list of mandatory online assignments, exercises, and assessments, and another one with optional tasks Integrate the assignments into the e-Training course Use project management online platforms to keep trainees organized

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 5 – Supply multiple different training styles Variety gives trainees the opportunity to benefit from the training and create TPs that are ideally suited for their needs Consider the personal preferences or training styles Integrate a wide range of online activities and exercises into your TP, so that the trainees have the ability to choose what works best for them Blend the styles of training: offer virtual lectures or podcasts to auditory learners; provide e-Training videos and view image-rich content to visual learners; make text-based modules for those who prefer to read

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 6 – Offer fast helpful feedback Arrange a form of direction and feedback Answer and guide quickly:  do not allow trainees to memorize incorrect information or pick up unfavorable learning behaviors Provide constructive criticism, while still allowing trainees to learn from their mistakes Process the feedback in order to gather valuable information about the effectiveness of your TP

How to create a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to create a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 7 – TP offers invaluable data A personal TP offers online trainees a wide range of advantages Professionals can also use them to discover more about their audience and TP design Use the analytics and tracking abilities of modern learning management systems to easily find out what online activities trainees prefer, how they are progressing, how they like to receive their information, and if the individual exercises are successful Take the advantage to see individual learning behaviors first hand, so that you can improve your training strategy moving forward

How to choose a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to choose a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 1 – Identify your training priorities Make a good understanding of your current abilities and an awareness of new and emerging demands on your subject area Consider your own sense of your strengths and space for improvement Consider any and all changes that impact your role and responsibilities in your subject area Assess your training priorities

How to choose a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to choose a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 2 – Choose which competences to develop Look for competences that match your training priorities in the Competences catalogue of the training setting Explore the nature of knowledge, skills and abilities that comprise competence in your particular area of interest Map the competences you wish to develop on your TP

How to choose a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to choose a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 3 – Build your Training Path Pull together your training activities for each competence selected State the Learning Outcomes Determine what knowledge content to follow to be successful in achieving these Learning Outcomes.

How to choose a Training Path? 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 How to choose a Training Path? The procedure includes: STEP 4 – Timeline and deadline Assign a timeline and deadline to complete your TP Plan the development and integrate it into your work responsibilities Make a work plan

Training Path – study, train, retrain 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 Training Path – study, train, retrain Use of TPs for studying, training, retraining: Making a study / training decision: Why do you want to study? What do you want to achieve? Where, when and how will you study? What effect will your commitment to training have on your current situation?

Training Path – study, train, retrain 2014-1-BG01-KA204-001645 Training Path – study, train, retrain Use of TPs for studying, training, retraining: The need for ongoing learning and skill development: When you retrain and change careers When you stop and restart careers over time When your job, occupation or career goals are currently changed When you need to fit your study around your current commitments

… and now Use these basic tips to tailor your personal Training Path ! To fit your current job, occupation or career goals To choose the sort of training delivery (part time, online, flexible or class based) that suits you best  To satisfy your preferable way of learning: by doing, listening, or a combination of both To use it for recognition of prior learning (RPL) to gain all or part of a formal qualification. ECO-Center Team This project has been funded with support from the European Commission. This material reflects the views only of the author, and the Commission cannot be held responsible for any use which may be made of the information contained therein.