We all have done training in some form or another. Whether it be for work, hobby, or for some service, we all have experienced “death by power-point” at some point. This is not so much training as much as cruel and unusual torture forbidden in our 8th amendment. How much do you learn from such a training? I would wager not as much as those teaching would like, if any at all.
Now, there is a time and place for classroom training. Classroom time is where we learn theory, which we must have in before we can attempt applications. Application is what we all love. Getting out to the range and punchin’ holes is why we attend “tacti-cool” courses, right? However, if we do not know how, or bother, to learn how to learn; how can we ever maximize our learning experience? Here are several things you can do to ensure you are getting the most out of your training.
Be prepared
If the training course you will be attending does not have a “packing list” or “what-to-bring” list, email, call, text, write a letter, or something to find out what is needed. Those teaching the class will know what you will need to maximize your learning experience, and will be happy to help you. After all, if you are well prepared and ready to go, the class will go much smoother. The instructor will be able to teach and you will learn more fluidly.
Pay attention
You are there to learn. The instructor is there to teach. You are an adult, and you are paying good money for the instruction. This is not high school. The instructor can kick you out if you are being disruptive. You will not get anything out of the course if you are on your phone, chatting with the guy next to you, or whatever is your go-to distraction. You will disrupt the other students around you, and will certainly not gain any friends.
Don’t be “that guy”. You know who I’m talking about. The guy who knows more than the instructor and adds a commentary to everything he says. That guy is a jerk. Regardless of how much you know, or think you know, if you pay attention, you can always learn something. As an instructor, I learn every time I teach a class, from my students. So, there is no reason to be that guy. Besides, if you clearly know more than the instructor, and look to prove it, why are you there? You should seek more advanced training that goes beyond your current skill-set.
Don’t be afraid to take notes and ask questions
Take a pad of paper. No matter how good the instructions, or tangibles, the instructor will always say something that is not written down that you will want to remember. I find some of the greatest little nuggets of truth to come from rabbit trails and tangents. Sadly not many people take notes, it is well worth doing. I find I get the most out of instruction when I have good notes. If you can’t take notes right away, keep the tools handy so you can jot stuff down on breaks
Have fun and enjoy the experience
There is no reason you cannot or should not have a good time. If you engage the instructor ( properly ) and make some new friends, you will have a great day. There is even a reprieve in power point with a good instructor and peers.
What we can learn?
- There is a process of learning. We have to learn how to learn, and we all learn differently
- If you sign up and pay money for a course. Be prepared and ready to commit yourself wholly to the process.
- Enjoy yourself and have a good time