Training Manual – Best
Development Practices
NMEMS Brown Bag Meeting
September 30th, 2011
Henry Debem
Learning Objectives
At the end of this presentation, participants will
be able to:
o Understand the concept of Training Manual
o Understand the concept of Instructional System Design
(ISD) models applied in developing Training Manuals.
o Be familiar with the common ISD models.
o Understand the principle of ADDIE model.
o Appreciate the key elements of a Training Manual.
o Appreciate the generally accepted quality
practices applied in developing a Training Manual.
What is a Manual?
A manual is simply a reference document
(handbook) containing a detailed
information on processes and
procedures required in a workplace to
guide and standardize the operations of
the users.
A Training Manual?
A manual used in training sessions or for
teaching purposes.
Uses of a Training Manual
(Importance)?
•Work books – often used in training sessions.
It provides basic information, examples and
exercises.
Uses of a Training Manual
(Importance)?...2
•Self-paced guides: designed for trainees to
work through on their own.
•Reference manuals: A repository for detailed
information on processes and procedures.
•Handouts: provide general information to
support training done during the session.
•Job aids: provide step-by-step instructions
to be used in the work place.
Instructional System Design (ISD)
Models Used in TMs
 ISD - is the practice of maximizing the
effectiveness, efficiency and appeal of
instructions and other learning experiences
 1950s.
 The process consists broadly of 3 elements:
•
•
•
Determining the current state and needs of the
learner,
Defining the end goal of instruction,
Creating some "interventions" to assist in the
transition.
Instructional System Design (ISD)
Models Used in TMs...2
 Ideally the transitional process is informed
by pedagogically (process of teaching) and
andragogically (adult learning) tested theories
of learning
 The result of this instruction may be
• Directly observable and scientifically
measured or
• Completely hidden and assumed
 ISD is historically and traditionally rooted in
cognitivism and behaviorism.
ISD Models Used in TMs
o ADDIE Model
o Rapid Prototyping Model
o Dick and Carey Model
o Kemp Model
o IDLS (Instructional Development Learning System) Model
o Others include the
• Smith/Ragan Model,
• Morrison/Ross Model
• Wiggins theory
ADDIE Model
ADDIE Model: is the generic process traditionally used by
instructional designers and developers. It was created by Center
for Educational Tech at FSU in 1975 for the US Army. Since then,
a number of reviews has been done to refine the model. (Branson,
Rayner, Cox, Furman, King, Hannum, 1975; Watson, 1981)
“A” - Analysis of the audience, and of training
needs; (Identify Instructional Goals, Conduct
Instructional Analysis, Analyze Learners and Contexts)
“D” - Design of training, learning objectives,
sequencing of tasks, etc. (develop learning
objectives, choose an instructional approach or strategy)
ADDIE Model...2
“D” - Development of training/instructional
materials, that are consistent with the
design requirements (elaborates and builds on the
Learning Objectives and Learning Steps that were produced in
the design phase. It basically fleshes out all the previous content
built in the prior two phases into a complete learning platform).
“I” - Implementation (testing of the prototype,
orientation
of trainers/users, evaluating the design or delivering the
instructional materials, conducting the training etc).
“E” - Evaluate the training (make
sure the materials
achieved the desired goals and the desired goals achieve the
organizational needs. This includes formative and
summative research, feedback from users and learners).
ADDIE Model...3
An ISD Model featuring the ADDIE Process
ANALYSIS
DESIGN
DEVELOPMENT
IMPLEMENTATION
Source: Grafinger Deborah j. 1998. Basics
of ISD Info-Line: 8803, Amenrican Society
for Training and Devpt.
EVALUATION
Note: Most of the current instructional design models are variations of
the ADDIE process
ADDIE Model...3
Source: Clark, 1995
ADDIE Model...4
Source: Florida State University, 1975
ADDIE Model...5
Questions to explain further
Analysis: Is the performance problem a training problem? How will
implementing a learning platform positively impact a business need
or goal? What must the learners be able to do in order to ensure the
required change in performance?
Design: What must be learned by the learners that will enable them
to fulfil the required business need or goal.
Development: What activities will best bring about the required
performance.
Implementation: Have the learners now become performers (have
the skills and knowledge to perform the required tasks)?
Evaluation: What value or result has the training provided to the
participants? What is the effectiveness of each phase of the training
development? To what extent has the training meet the goals
and objectives of the training or needs of the participants?
A Learning Platform to Define ADDIE
Model
Source: Newlink.com
Basic Developmental Stages
in producing a TM
• Analysing the purpose and context of the
training.
•Designing the content, format and structure of
the training (innovativeness is an essential requirement)
•Developing or expanding the content and
structure in line with the designed framework.
•Assembling (Writing) the TM (producing the first
draft)
Developmental Stages in
producing a TM...2
• Subject the TM to Stakeholders review which
may involve field testing to some extent.
•Finalize and produce the final copy.
Key Elements of a TM
• A Cover page with plain or graphic with the
Title clearly written
• A Blank page after the cover page
• Table of contents
• Glossary / Acronyms
• An Introduction page on What-How-Who "What the Manual is about", "How to use
the Manual" & "For whom the Manual is
meant“
Refer to DHIS2 Manual
Key Elements of a TM
• Expanding the Table of contents –
Objectives / Description of each topic / Section Summary
Placeholders for graphics
Placeholders for work sheets (Trainees)
• Page for Conclusion
• Page for Further Reading
• Page for Bibliography / References / Citations
• A Blank page prior to closure (Optional)
• Closing Cover page (Optional)
Note: The title page, table of contents, a glossary of
terms (if used) and the index are prepared last
Versions of a Training Manual &
Contents
o Trainers Version
o Trainees Version
Trainers
•Basic text,
•Prompts for discussions and
demonstrations or other
activities
•Information or checklists on
preparation for the session
Trainees
•Basic text
•Examples and
exercises
•Spaces for making
further notes.
Writing A TM – Best Practices
•Write in plain English: Avoid using technical
terms, unless it is part of the work place
vocabulary. In that case make sure
technical terms are explained in simple
language/terms.
•Spell out or explain acronyms and
Refer to DHIS2 Manual
abbreviations.
•Use the active voice: It is concise.
•Be consistent in the use of terminology,
tone and style of writing.
Writing A TM – Best Practices...2
• Use short sentences and phrases (Long sentences
and paragraphs can be confusing)
• Numbered steps are easier to follow than long
paragraphs. Refer to DHIS2 Manual
• Include illustrations (graphs, flow charts, tables,
pictures, screen displays, examples of finished
tasks) where appropriate to clarify concepts
and enhance understanding. It also adds
visual interest. Illustrations should be
in proper proportion to nearby text.
Refer to DHIS2 Manual
Writing A TM – Best Practices...3
• Write a detailed table of contents that include
chapter headings as well as the next level
of subheadings.
• Write a detailed index, including crossreferences, to make it easy to find
information. A good index makes the
manual usable as a reference work for
future use.
•Check spelling and grammar.
Refer to DHIS2 Manual
Writing A TM – Best Practices...4
• Organize the contents into a logical sequence
of topics.
•Break down the topics into smaller segments
that describe a task, procedure or
concept.
Note: The task of writing comes next once the purpose
for the manual has been established and attention has
been given to the preliminary design
Refer to DHIS2 Manual
Presentation of the TM
o Attractive appearance and ease of use
(motivate use of manual)
o Good Page Layout (improves readability)
o Good organization of materials on the page
(guides the eyes of the reader)
Refer to DHIS2 Manual
Want to Read More?
JOURNALS:
•Andrews, D. H., & Goodson, L. A. (1980). A comparative analysis of models of
instructional design. Journal of Instructional Development, 3:4, 2-16.
•Briggs, L. J. (1970). Handbook of procedures for the design of instruction. Pittsburgh:
American Institutes for Research.
•Dick, W., Carey, L. & Carey, J. O. (2001). The systematic design of instruction, 5th Ed.
New York: Longman.
•Gentry, C. G. (1994). Introduction to instructional development. Belmont: Wadsworth.
•Grafinger, Deborah J. (1988). Basics of instructional systems development. INFO-LINE
Issue 8803. Alexandria: American Society for Training and Development.
•Gustafson, K. L. (1994). Instructional design models. In Husen, T. & Postlethwaite,
T.N. (ed’s) The International Encyclopedia of Education, 2nd ed. Oxford: UK,
Pergamon.
•Heinich, R., Molenda, M., Russell, J. D., & Smaldino, S. (2002). Instructional media
and technologies for learning, 7th ed. Columbus: Merrill/Prentice Hall.
•Kovalchick, A., & Dawson, K. (in press). Educational technology: An encyclopedia.
Santa Barbara, CA: ABC-CLIO.
•Molenda, M., Pershing, J. A., & Reigeluth, C. M. (1996). Designing instructional
systems. In R. L. Craig (Ed.), The ASTD training and development handbook
4th ed. (pp. 266-293). New York:
Want to Read More...2?
•Molenda, Michael (May/June 2003). "In Search of the Elusive ADDIE Model".
Performance improvement 42 (5): 34–37. Amended version available
at the author's web site at Indiana University (Bloomington).
Morrison, G. R., Ross, S. M., & Kemp, J. E. (2001). Designing effective instruction, 3rd
ed. New York:
•Reiser, R. A. 2001. A history of instructional design and technology. In Reiser, R. A.
and Dempsey, J. V., ed’s. Trends and issues in instructional design and
technology. Englewood Cliffs: Prentice Hall
•Rossett, A. (1987). Training needs assessment. Englewood Cliffs: Educational Technology
Publications.
•Saettler, P. (1990). The evolution of American educational technology. Englewood:
Libraries Unlimited.
•Shrock, S. (1995). A brief history of instructional development. In Anglin, Gary (ed.)
Instructional technology: Past, present, and future. Englewood: Libraries
Unlimited.
•Smith, P. L., and Ragan, T. J. (1999). Instructional design, 2nd Ed. Columbus: Merrill,
Prentice Hall.
•Thiagarajan, S. (1976). Help I am trapped inside an ID model! NSPI Journal
(November), 10-11.
•Strickland, A.W (2006). "ADDIE". Idaho State University College of Education,
Science, Math & Technology Education. Retrieved 2006-06-29.
Want to Read More...3?
Websites:
http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/history_isd/addie.html
www.businessperform.com › Training Management
www.slideshare.net/the-addie-model-presentation
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/ADDIE_Model
sas.byu.edu/training/documents/TheADDIEInstructionalDe
signModel.pdf
http://en.wikibooks.org/wiki/Designing_a_Training_Manual
Thank you!!