Safety is a continuous training cycle, from an employee’s first day to the last.
But teaching an adult is more difficult than teaching a child, especially when they’re pressed for time and need to complete job tasks. An adult also has a different learning habit and responds to information differently. While safety training can’t be ignored, educators will need to use new teaching approaches to create engaging training lessons. Only then will workers take health and safety courses seriously.
Always Make It Personal
Educators should make lessons personal by talking about consequences. Frame training sessions to highlight what might happen if a particular rule or best practice is neglected because according to Occupational Health and Safety, most employees don’t believe anything bad will happen to them.
In order to get around that mindset, educators will want to focus on an employee’s needs from a personal perspective while showing how compliance with training programs benefits him or herself. Additionally, individuals are more likely to engage with training discussions if family benefits are brought up.
Talk About Specifics
Workers want to know what each training session will encompass, and they’re more likely to take lessons seriously if they know the specifics. If a training session is presented in an unclear way, individuals won’t pay as much attention.
Educators may want to inform workers of mandatory training sessions ahead of time through email or fliers.
Time Is Important
Even if training lessons are government-mandated, educators need to be mindful of the time. Long discussions aren’t especially effective because employees realistically only retain about 20 minutes of material. The longer a topic drags on, the more someone will become easily distracted and want to get back to work.
Educators should strive for mandatory training sessions that last no longer than 50 minutes. Longer sessions should be broken up by a 10-minute break.
Know The Audience
Adults are professionals who want relevant and task-oriented training. Educators should craft lesson plans to only focus on the information workers need to know to help streamline and shorten lessons.
OH&S also stated adults want to be respected. Educators shouldn’t assume they always know more than workers who have years of experience. By developing a courteous approach and seeking outside opinions, adult learners will be more engaged in training.
In conclusion, when mandatory training sessions are scheduled, educators need to craft their lesson plans with their audience in mind to ensure workers are actively engaged. By focusing on personal effects, keeping lessons concise and showing respect, safety training sessions will be more effective.
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