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Ask the Training Expert Question: Why and how should I ask questions in a training session? Answer: The whole purpose for questioning is to determine what the trainees understand at a given point in the process and to identify any areas requiring review. The first meeting is a great opportunity to question trainees in a casual manner to establish what they know before the training starts. This will help you avoid repeating material already understood and assuming that the trainees have knowledge that they are actually lacking. The trainer should question the trainees to discover any aspects of the training that need more explanation. The purpose of questioning should always be constructive, and not in any way embarrass or humiliate anyone in the class. How to ask a good question: Have you ever been asked “Do you have any questions?” and you are so lost you don’t even know what to ask? This could be the situation your trainees find themselves in. At regular intervals in your instruction, stop and ask questions to determine if the trainees understand the topic. There are several techniques that can be used to ask good questions. For instance, if you ask, “Joe, what type of flame should you use when welding aluminum?” you may have made Joe think, but the other members of your group may not bother. Instead do not direct the question at anyone initially, so that everyone must focus. Ask “What type of flame should you use when welding aluminum?”–wait while everyone thinks and then call on Joe. This method of questioning keeps everyone attentive because anyone might be called upon to answer. Additionally, request that the trainees not answer the questions aloud. Giving the answer denies the other trainees the opportunity to think through the answer to the question. Insist that trainees wait to be acknowledged before answering. Also, remember to pause for some time between asking a question and calling on someone for an answer. Have patience as they find the right answer. By Sheree’ Evans-Metcalf PMMI, Program Facilitator |
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