Abstract

This effective practice shares 16 steps to preparing an AmeriCorps pre-service training program — emphasizing experiential learning techniques. Additional reference and supplemental materials are listed. Excerpted from Mosaica's, Starting Strong: A Guide to Pre-Service Training.

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Issue

To make a pre-service training effective, participants must be engaged and provided with relevant information.

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Action

Steps to take include:

1. Be sure the pre-service training meets AmeriCorps guidelines.
2. Establish a clear work plan and timeline for completing your pre-service training.
3. Be sure one individual is responsible for coordinating the design process but divide the responsibility for preparing specific training units.
4. If you are going to use training consultants, involve them early, select them carefully, and monitor them well.
5. Provide standardized formats for training units and materials.
6. Ensure training activities emphasize experiential learning — techniques that provide members with the opportunity to use any information given or to practically apply any skills taught during a training session.
7. Identify existing training materials and modify them to fit your program.
8. Be sure that integrating themes become a major part of your pre-service training.
9. Design community activities as an integral part of the pre-service experience.
10. Develop training appropriate for individuals with a variety of backgrounds, interests, and learning styles.
11. Remember the "human clock" when choosing activities and preparing the final detailed training agenda. For example, be sure that after-lunch activities are lively and don't show slides or overheads early in the morning or late in the afternoon.
12. Beware of information overload.
13. Locate and use existing reference materials.
14. Allow time for "putting it all together."
15. Be prepared to train your staff and orient presenter to your pre-service package.
16. Remember that in AmeriCorps, training is ongoing.

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Context

It is important to establish buy-in among members at pre-service training. Emphasizing experiential learning techniques and providing supplemental materials can help keep interest and enthusiasm high.

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Citation

Mosaica. Starting Strong: A Guide to Pre-Service Training, pp. 87-92.

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Posted On

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Resources

For a comprehensive overview on the topic of member orientation, including elements, methods, fundamentals, and orientation topics, see the EnCorps resources at http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org/mo_home.php

Source Documents

Related Practices

• Preparing for pre-service training of members
• Designing a successful pre-service training session

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