"Choose to be a Training 'Explorer'"

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When you attend a work-related course or training session, you expect to learn something new and relevant to your job. And, chances are, you will-if you take a collaborative approach to the educational opportunity.

Those who get the most out of training sessions are "explorers" who help the trainer help them learn, says Shaun Hopkins, an instructor with Langevin Training Services of Ottawa. According to Hopkins, when you have an educational opportunity, you can choose to be "a 'vacationer,' a 'prisoner,' or an 'explorer.'

Vacationers are happy to be in the course because they're getting time off work. Prisoners have been told to attend, and see the experience as a punishment," he notes. But explorers are "the true learners," says Hopkins. "They want to be there-and they know how to get the most out of the session." Here's how you and your team-mates can be explorers during your training:

Know your expectations for the course.

What knowledge or skills do you want to get out of it?

What team problems are you seeking solutions for?

Express your expectations to the instructor.

"Do this right at the beginning," advises Hopkins. "Some instructors have people fill out a survey, or introduce themselves and summarise what they want to get out of the course." That's your chance to speak up. It will help the trainer help you and your team get what you need from the course.

During the session, continually ask yourself, "How can I use this idea at work?" This will keep you sifting through all the new information you're getting to glean what's most relevant for you. Create personal and team action plans for using the material presented. Hopkins recommends that you "identify three new things you've learned, and brainstorm for how you can apply them back on the job. You're customising the training to your specific situation."

Take a proactive approach throughout the session. If you feel you can't use what you're being taught, don't just sit there fuming. It's your responsibility to let the instructor know. Says Hopkins: "It's not unusual for trainees to have a "This is fine in theory, but how would it work in reality?' response to new material. That's the time to tell your instructor, 'I don't see how this applies to our [team] situation.' Be prepared to give specific examples of problems you might be grappling with on your team. Then the instructor can offer relevant suggestions," he notes.

Maintain a dialogue with your instructor. He or she can tailor the training materials to your needs-if you specify them. "Don't just sit back and listen to what's being presented," Hopkins urges. "Work with the instructor by being aware of your needs and asking specific questions. Then, you're truly exploring for useful training." KATHLEEN CONROY interviewed Shaun Hopkins for this article.

  "fortune favours the prepared mind"