Foundations of Training & Facilitation

Introduces foundational concepts and practices in talent development, including adult learning theory, the ADDIE training cycle (with an evaluation-first mindset), needs assessment, and core facilitation skills. Students learn to design memorable openings, prepare learning environments and visuals, distinguish facilitation from presentation, and plan evaluation and follow-up to support transfer of learning. This unit establishes the groundwork for subsequent deeper work in course design, delivery, and program evaluation.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze an organizational learning culture and stakeholder needs by conducting a basic needs assessment to prioritize training goals and target audiences.
• Apply adult learning theories and the ADDIE framework to create a training session outline that includes a dynamic opening, aligned learning activities, appropriate visuals, and an evaluation plan.
• Demonstrate effective facilitation and presentation techniques, including environment setup and strategies to address common training problems, by delivering a brief session opening.
• Evaluate and select formative and summative evaluation methods and follow-up strategies to measure learning outcomes and improve transfer of training.