What are common challenges to avoid during hands-on training activities?

1 Lack of clear objectives

One of the most important steps in designing any training activity is to define the learning objectives. What do you want the learners to achieve by the end of the activity? How will you measure their progress and performance? Without clear objectives, you risk wasting time and resources on irrelevant or confusing tasks. To avoid this challenge, make sure you align your objectives with the overall goals of the training, and communicate them clearly to the learners before the activity.

2 Insufficient preparation

Another common challenge is not preparing enough for the hands-on training activity. This can include not having enough materials, equipment, space, or time for the activity, or not anticipating potential problems or questions that might arise. To avoid this challenge, plan ahead and test your activity in advance. Make sure you have enough resources and backup plans for different scenarios. Also, prepare some guidance and feedback for the learners, such as instructions, examples, or checklists, to help them complete the activity successfully.

3 Lack of engagement

A third common challenge is not engaging the learners enough during the hands-on training activity. If the learners are bored, distracted, or confused, they will not benefit from the activity. To avoid this challenge, make sure your activity is relevant, interesting, and challenging for the learners. Use a variety of methods and formats, such as games, simulations, or scenarios, to appeal to different learning styles and preferences. Also, encourage interaction and collaboration among the learners, such as by forming groups, assigning roles, or asking questions.

4 Poor feedback

A fourth common challenge is not providing enough or effective feedback during or after the hands-on training activity. Feedback is essential for learning, as it helps the learners identify their strengths and weaknesses, and improve their performance. To avoid this challenge, make sure you provide timely, specific, and constructive feedback to the learners. Use a mix of formal and informal feedback methods, such as quizzes, surveys, or discussions, to assess the learners' understanding and application of the skills. Also, encourage self-reflection and peer feedback among the learners, such as by asking them to share their experiences, challenges, or tips.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?