What Training Style Are You?

Every trainer has a training style. As in life and in nature, no two trainers are exactly alike. Just for fun, take this 1-minute, 5-question quiz to learn about your training style. Each style has its strengths and weaknesses—find out if one of these styles matches your own.

1. The best way to start a training session is to:

a. Describe your qualifications as a trainer.
b. Explain what the participants will gain from the training.
c. Find out what the participants hope to learn.
d. List the learning objectives of the course.

2. The best way to find out if the training has been effective is:

a. Ask the participants if they found the training helpful.
b. Continually reinforce the training through ongoing mentoring.
c. Watch the participant perform in a real-life situation.
d. Give a well-designed exam at the end of the training session.

3. The best way to conduct a training session is:

a. Carefully constructed games that reinforce the desired learning outcome.
b. Explain concepts in small chunks—a carefully organized presentation with clear objectives.
c. Role-playing, role-playing and more role-playing. People learn by doing.
d. Small-group discussion and Q&A sessions.

4. The content of a training session should be determined by:

a. Analyzing a task that must be learned and teaching how to perform that task.
b. Asking the participant. The learner is the best judge of what needs to be learned.
c. Comparing what the participant knows with what the participant needs to know.
d. The participant and his/her supervisor should decide what kind of training is needed.

5. A good trainer:

a. Is an expert in the subject matter.
b. Provides good feedback so the participant knows what he/she needs to work on.
c. Can explain a topic in a way that is easy to follow.
d. Inspires students to do their best.