How to Write and Prepare Training Materials

<b>Part 1 -- Writing Basics </b>

1. Writing to be Read

Summary; Writers need to be read; Readers and objectives; Planning; Structure

2. Choosing your Words

Summary; Writer's block; Finding the 'right' word; KISS; Useful guidelines; FOG Index

3. Presenting your Material

Summary; How much does presentation matter?; Considerations for your presentation

4. Editing and Revision

Summary; First review level

<b>Part 2 -- What Trainers Write </b>

5. Job Descriptions, Performance Standards, Performance Objectives and Competency Descriptions

Summary; Job descriptions; Performance standards; Performance objectives; Competency descriptions

6. Procedures, Job Aids and Manuals

Summary; Procedures; Job aids; Manuals

7. Forms and Questionnaires

Summary; Forms; Questionnaires; Attitude surveys; Tests

8. Course Notes

Summary; Joining instructions; Trainer's notes; Trainer's review of the course

9. Course Visuals

Summary; Rule 1 -- KISS (Keep it short and simple); Rule 2 -- PUP (Please use pictures); Rule 3 -- Use colour; Overhead transparencies; PC slides; 35mm slides; Other visual aids

10. Course Handouts

Summary; Ready-made handouts; Do-it-yourself; Combination approach

11.Course Exercises

Summary; Are exercises the easy option?; Identify objective; Outline problem; Devise solution; Prepare instructions; Dry-run exercise; Main types of exercises; Other exercises

12. Self-learning Texts

Summary; What are self-learning texts?; Why should you write self-learning texts?; Specific objectives; Features of self-learning texts; Computer-based self-learning materials; Dry-running the material

13. Web Sites

Summary; Why bother about a Web site?; What to include; Planning the site structure; Drafting the content; E-learning programmes; Course-booking and record-keeping systems; Maintaining your site

14. Reports, Letters, Memos, E-mails and Minutes

Summary; Reports; Letters; Memos; E-mails; Minutes; Standard templates

<b>Part 3 -- For Reference. and Interest</b>

15. Source Material

Summary; Sources; People; Paper; Information on the Internet

16. Legalities

Summary; Disclaimer; What is copyright?; What works are protected by copyright?; What can you not do?; Exceptions; Permission to copy or publish; Data protection

17. Grammar, Punctuation and Spelling

Summary; 'Grammar is bunk' -- but is it?; Grammar -- points to consider; Does punctuation matter?; Spelling rules; US spellings; Conclusion

18. Tables and Charts

Summary; Tables; Line graphs; Bar and column charts; Pie charts; Organization charts; Flowcharts; Decision trees; Chart packages

19. Using Technology

Summary; Word processing; Spreadsheet packages; Presentation packages; DTP; Graphics and picture editing packages; Computer networks

Appendix 1 Further reading

Writing; Training materials

Appendix 2 Useful Web Sites

Appendix 3 Information Services