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As virtual training has become the go-to method of delivering training in most businesses around the world, the application of a blended learning approach has become crucial to the success of any training program. If the industry standard for the length of a virtual workshop is 2 to 3 hours, how do you condense an 8-hour traditional in-person program without losing its effectiveness? You turn to, and apply, Performance Support Activities (PSA’s).
Performance support activities are extremely flexible and provide information and knowledge that is supplemental to the core training. They can be applied before or after the training and can be delivered using a variety of activities and available tools/technology. Consider peer coaching, simulations, group discussions, reading, games, or job aids as examples. You can go low or high tech, but the key is selecting the appropriate activity to effectively deliver the information and knowledge.
The selection process for PSA’s involves four steps:
1. Determine the purpose of the PSA – for example, do you want to assess their knowledge, or do you want to present additional content?
2. Choose an activity to deliver the PSA – for example, do you have your trainees read material ahead of the training and/or have a mentoring session after the training?
3. Choose a tool or technology to implement the PSA – for example, do you use video or face-to-face?
4. Validate your selection of the PSA – for example, consider any constraints that would affect the feasibility of implementing your PSA.
You don’t have to stuff everything into the core training. Take time to determine what content can be delivered outside your courses to help support the transfer of knowledge and skill. Allow your learners to digest the information in smaller chunks and you’ll find they’ll have improved retention.
Check out our Blended Learning workshop for tools and tips on determining and creating effective performance support activities to add to your training programs.
