Overview

The materials included in this workbook can be used for a variety of training needs and time frames. This chapter covers designs suitable for full-day (six- to eight-hour) training sessions.

Longer learning sessions may raise concerns that participants will be overloaded with information. We believe the benefits of extended learning experiences outweigh the potential drawbacks. Although a shorter programme might be seen as part of a typical workday, a longer programme (especially one held at an offsite venue) can become a memorable life experience for the participant. As discussed in Chapter 4, the learning environment is established more readily and the synergistic relationships of various supervisor competencies can be explored more thoroughly in extended programmes. A different physical environment and a complete break from daily routine help participants focus on learning.

For full-day sessions we strongly recommend group training because the learning environment is enhanced by the input of participants with a variety of backgrounds and experiences. In full-day sessions, groups of 12 to 24 participants are most conducive to learning.

This chapter includes illustrative designs and sample agendas but the trainer should adapt them to fit local purposes. Each design can be modified in relation to available resources, the learning readiness of potential participants, and most importantly, the assessed development needs of newly appointed supervisors.