Topic 5: Developing Training Materials
In this topic we will discuss learning approaches, modalities, methods and materials to achieve training session or intervention programme outcomes.
This will be very useful for trainers looking to expand the variation of their training materials.
At the end of this topic, you will be able to:
- Recognise training material categories and use case objectives.
- Select training materials according to method, modality and approach.
When developing training materials, we would like to consider several factors that determines the purpose and reason for having it available. This includes:
- User: Trainer / Facilitator or participant?
- Modality: Physical (in-person) or virtual? Synchronous or asynchronous?
- Method: For which domain – knowledge, skills, attitude?
- Objective: Guiding aid? Visual aid? Learning aid? Practice aid?
Let’s look at the following materials based on use case selection.
Facilitator Materials
- Session plan (indicate where and when visuals are used, key learning points, questions to ask, transitions, review checks, debrief instructions)
- Presentation slides
- Descriptions of wall charts / media
- Resource checklist
- Role play scripts
- Background reading references
- Job aid
- Role play scripts
Participants Materials
- Manual / workbook
- Fillable worksheets
- Instruction cards
- Handouts: Case study (rich information)
- Handouts: Assessment
- Props: Physical products (use to make judgement)
- Props: Physical tool (use for practice)
- Job aids
- Checklist
- Videos
- Templates
- Infographics (list, timeline, how-to steps, process flow)
Collaboration Tools
- File sharing
- Interactive tool (e.g., reactions, chat, annotation function, whiteboard / sandbox)
Any other materials that you have used or seen?
Bonus!
When creating, collecting or compiling materials, ensuring compliance with copyright law is essential. Based on the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987, here is a quick checklist of copyright dos and don’ts.
DOs (Permitted uses / exceptions, subject to conditions)
- Acknowledge source and authorship
When using works by way of fair dealing for non-profit research, private study, criticism, review, or reporting current events, or when making quotations, ensure the title of the work and its authorship are acknowledged.
- Mention source in teaching use
When including a work for teaching illustration purposes, mention the source and the name of the author which appears on the work used.
- Quote within limits
Make quotations from a published work not exceeding that of justified by the purpose. (Do not use more than what is necessary)
- Ensure originality
If creating new works, ensure sufficient effort has been made to make the work original in character and that it is reduced to material form (written down, recorded, or otherwise) for copyright to remain in force.
DON’Ts (Acts constituting infringement or restricted rights)
- Reproduce or communicate without authority
Do not do, or cause others to reproduce in any material form or communication to the public without the licence of the owner of the copyright.
- Engage in commercial reproduction / distribution of infringing copies
Do not make for sale, let, distribute, or import infringing copies.
- Violate moral rights by non-identification
Do not present a work without identifying the author or under a name other than that of the author, without consent.
- Violate moral rights by modification
Do not distort, mutilate, or otherwise modify a work if that modification significantly alters the work and might reasonably be regarded as adversely affecting the author’s honour or reputation, without the author’s consent.
Watch this video if you need a quick explainer on the topic.
Disclaimer: The information above is based exclusively on the Malaysian Copyright Act 1987 and should not be considered legal advice.