T4: Teeter Totter Theory of Training

Picture a teeter totter.  A fulcrum, or triangle, in the center and a long board balanced on the tip, which can teeter to either side depending on the weight or force applied at either end.

Now, picture training as the fulcrum.  Training is a wonderful workplace development tool. It gives people skills and how-to’s that can be applied back on the job immediately (typically). When the board tips to the left, we label it “education.” Education is knowledge sharing. It gives people information, acclimation and exposure to topics, but it doesn’t give them skills in those topics.

When the board tips to the right, we call it “learning.” When one has learned, one is not only able to do the job but also explain the why and the how of doing the job. Example: If you’ve been a trainer for awhile, you know the importance of a well-written objectives. In the beginning of your career you probably learned that objectives are the basis for good training design because they outline what the learner will know or be able to do upon leaving the training (you are informed of their purpose and value).

As you were trained in becoming a trainer, you learned that objectives start with action words or verbs (you are trained in how to construct an objective). But why is that important?

Once you have learned to write objectives well and correctly, you are able to explain that a well written objective allows an observer to determine if the learner “got it,” by identifying actions that can be seen by the observer.

Example: Participants will learn the alphabet (education) Participants will be able to recite the alphabet (trained). Participants will be able to explain the use of the alphabet in constructing words and phrases (learned)

Each of these points on the teeter totter are important and have their place. Where many training programs go awry, however, is in clearly identifying at the start, exactly what the learners should come away with. Are they to be educated, trained or must they learn the material? Knowing what your learners’ outcomes should be, allows you to employ the correct delivery method.