Training Tip: Tune in to WIIFM
Training Services Manager, Education and Development
WIIFM. It sounds like the name of a radio station, doesn’t it? Actually WIIFM is an acronym for the question, “What’s In It For Me?” That question is an important one to you as a trainer because adult learners have WIIFM in mind whenever they participate in training.
malcom knowles
“Relevancy-oriented” is the term that Malcolm Knowles used to describe the WIIFM factor in adult learning. Knowles, a pioneer in the field of adult learning theory known as andragogy, pointed out that learning must be relevant to the professional or personal lives of adult learners to motivate them to learn; in other words, learning must be directly related to what’s in it for them.
Creating a solid link between learning and the benefits to be gained by learning is an effective way to answer the WIIFM concern of adult learners. Better job performance, stronger family relationships, more effective use of time—those are the kinds of benefits that invite adults to engage in learning because of the professional or personal advantages to be gained.
emphasize benefits of training
In your training, then, point out the benefits to be gained from learning right from the start. When you introduce the learning objectives, emphasize the professional and personal benefits tied to the achievement of the objectives. As instructional exercises and activities occur, remind learners of the benefits involved in the learning they are doing. When you conclude the training, refer to the benefits, once again, so that learners are motivated to apply what they’ve learned to their professional and personal pursuits following training.
Answering the WIIFM question is crucial to the success of training adult learners. An effective answer will ensure a higher level of engagement among learners and, as a result, stronger training outcomes. As a matter of fact, that’s what’s in it for you as a trainer when you tune in to WIIFM.
You’re Never Too Old to Learn at OLLI
Many people seek training and education “in order to.” In order to qualify for a job or advance in a current position, in order to make money or to make more money, in order to satisfy the boss—these are just a few typical underlying motivators.
Here at The University of Utah there is a growing and lively group that has a different paradigm driving their learning. Members of the Osher Lifelong Learning Institute (OLLI) in Continuing Education are here for the joy of learning. And yes, we are here for our own version of “in order to.” We are here in order to exercise our minds and stay engaged with the world around us, the benefits of which are added personal enjoyment and better health in our lives. The learning is not a means to an end, however. Rather, it’s part of the amazing journey of life available to lifelong learners in the 50 plus set.
dani eyer on lifelong learning
OLLI member and instructor Dani Eyer (former executive director of the American Civil Liberties Union of Utah) had this to say about lifelong learning at OLLI’s spring open house earlier this year:
“Back in the day, before Google, before the Internet, when we were in college and we had to write a research paper, we actually went to the library. Whenever I sat down to find the relevant article for my school work, I immediately became incredibly interested in every other article, every other subject, or even in my own probably pedestrian thoughts. Time after time, I sat there and fantasized about the day when I could give myself over to freestyle learning, so to speak, follow my own train of thought and engage in any and everything of interest to me. The desire, yes, fantasy, for open ended lifelong learning was palpable.
OLLI and other organizations like it throughout the country offer a special and unique place to come together and explore subjects of interest with interested and interesting peers. OLLI at the U brings together a dynamic group of people who bring with them a wealth of life experience and curiosity to the classroom, and our instructors provide the information and stimulus that catalyzes the magic.
the osher institute
The Osher Institute offers a broad array of courses, lectures and events. Course topics range from current events to the history of the Middle East; from The Joy of Yoga to Mind, Mood and Memory; from Organic Gardening to Botany; from Watercolor Painting, Tile Art and Ceramics to World Religions; from the films of Charlie Chaplin to the literature of Mark Twain. Classes generally meet once per week for 1 ½ hours for 6 weeks. Language classes and classes needing more time meet more often or for a longer period each week. Classes are offered in three terms per year: fall, winter, and spring. There are no tests and no grades. With free parking and classes on campus and at the Bountiful U of U location, classes are easy to get to. Check www.continue.utah.edu/osher or call (801) 585-5442 for full course and event listings.
While many may not yet be tall enough to join the OLLI ride, most have a family member or friend who is—someone who has passed the “in order to” stage of life and is ready for learning for the pure joy of it. Consider giving the gift of lifelong learning by referring them to OLLI or by purchasing a membership and a class or two.
membership information
Membership is just $30 per year, and courses range from $10 to $179. Membership entitles one to attend many free or low cost special events. Fall events range from touring the Huntsman Cancer Center, Hill Aerospace Museum and the Uintah Brewery to doing a tea tasting at The Tea Grotto. To join, request a catalog, get more information, or to purchase a gift certificate call the OLLI office at 585-5442. Brent, Tim, or Cathy will be happy to help.
University Health Care Pilots Trainer Essentials Course
"The information provided during the Trainer Essentials Course was invaluable. I can speak from experience; the information provided was more in-depth, with more practical application than the master’s level course I recently completed on the same topic.” That’s the comment from one of the participants in the recently completed pilot session of the Trainer Essentials Course provided through the Education and Development Department of University Health Care.
for trainers and educators
The course is designed for trainers and educators from all areas and disciplines, focusing on the core competencies needed by anyone who develops and delivers classroom or one-on-one training, regardless of the subject matter. The pilot of the course, therefore, had ten participants from a variety of areas, including hospital educators, billing and coding trainers, IT training staff, and trainers from Patient Access Services.
course details
The Trainer Essentials Course is comprised of six four-hour training sessions, delivered in two-week intervals over a period of ten weeks. The curriculum is designed around the highly effective A.D.D.I.E. model of instructional design, and each session is packed with valuable foundational information and includes ample learner participation and hands-on application experience. Following the successful completion of the Trainer Essentials Course, participants then have the opportunity to complete an additional set of requirements to become a University Health Care Certified Trainer, thanks to the support and sponsorship of Margaret Pearce, Chief Nursing Officer for the organization.
The Trainer Essentials Course is available at no cost to anyone with training responsibilities employed by University Health Care. The course is also available to University of Utah employees at a reduced rate or to people outside of the University at a standard rate. For more information about the Trainer Essentials Course, contact Margo Beecher at margo.beecher@hsc.utah.edu, or Cammie Pollastro at cammie.pollastro@hsc.utah.edu .
Bedboard Teletracking System Goes Live at the Main Hospital
The Allegra Registration Training team recently assisted in training and implementing a new Bedboard Teletracking system used to communicate bed requests between floors at the main hospital. The new system features enhanced communication between staff who make and receive requests for bed assignments, and an automated system of sending pages to inform staff of request status. The result of the system training and implementation has been a significant reduction in time spent on the phone between floors and the bedboard, which is the group that oversees bed assignment requests.
The Allegra Registration Training Team assisted in training staff prior to the launch of the new system and provided hands on support when the system went live on May 28, 2008. The Allegra Registration Training Team also trains the Allegra registration system, which drives the Bedboard Teletracking system that was recently introduced.
Allegra training
In addition to providing the fore mentioned training and support, the Allegra Registration Training team also offers:
- Outpatient Registration Training
- ER Registration Training
- Bed Management Training
- A monthly Reg ‘Em Right newsletter
- A hotline to answer Allegra user's questions - 587-6589
- An Allegra website: http://intranet.uuhsc.utah.edu/its/training/allegra/index.html
Welcome to Technology Education at the U
Technology Education, a division of Continuing Education at The University of Utah, offers the latest in instructor-led technology training in a wide variety of software programs, operating systems, and hardware. We offer high-quality Apple, Cisco, Linux, Microsoft, and Adobe classes and certificates, which balance concepts and lectures with hands-on labs and exercises on state-of-the-art equipment. Instructors are highly qualified, real-world professionals, so you know you’re learning from the best. Technology Education is committed to providing excellent customer service and the best technology instruction available at an affordable price and in a format that works with your busy schedule. Here are a few examples:
Custom Training/Consulting
We can customize any of our technology classes to meet the needs of your organization. We can also create new training from the ground up—and let you control what’s covered.
On-Demand
If we’re not currently offering a class that you want, simply call our office and you’ll be notified when we have enough people to run the class of your choice.
Earn While You Learn
University of Utah students can now get certified and receive university credit at the same time! Admitted U of U students can obtain Apple, CCNA, and Linux certifications while receiving their degrees through a partnership between Technology Education and the School of Computing.
So, whether you‘re a novice computer user, editing your digital photographs, upgrading to the latest version of a popular software program, or a computer professional interested in staying current or increasing your marketability, Technology Education at the U has a class or certificate program to meet your needs. Remember, eligible University of Utah faculty and staff receive a 50% tuition discount on all Technology Education classes.
Check us out today by visiting www.continue.utah.edu/edtech or by calling (801) 581-6061.