Organizational Development: A Manual for Managers and ... - FPDL

therefore – including game in the process should be justify by the effect it may produce in
respect to the objectives of the course. It should be carefully prepared and effectively
processed. Otherwise, there is a risk of not only wasting time, but also defocusing participants
and destroying process of training. The game may be more or less fun, but in any case, it
should bring to the serious conclusions for trainees.
9.9 VIDEO. Demonstration of pre-manufactured video films was not effective in our training
courses. However, recording and demonstrating participants how do they behave in a course of
training makes a great impact. It produces an excellent material for self-assessment and
discussions, also gives some fun. Many ‘well proved’ conclusions come to trainees’ minds when
looking on themselves, and that is a sort of experience, which they will never forget. It comes
not from the side of trainer or colleagues as a kind of critic, but envisaged directly from the TV
screen.
During the demonstration, trainer can stop a film, and make some actual remarks or
explanations, exchange observations, and then go further. He do not need interrupt the
process, which is often not possible, or repeat some moments several times, which is never
possible without video record. Many other advantages of using video could be also mentioned.
However, it is not easy to make and use video records properly. It is an art. It also takes a lot of
time and attention. Often it is not possible to do, when there is only one trainer. Qualified
assistant is needed. Recorded time usually should be much longer than demonstration’s time.
First reason is the necessity to accustom participants to the fact, that someone is making video
records, while they are doing something. Then they will not pay too much attention to recording
when most interesting events will happen. Another reason is the necessity to have enough
recorded material to produce a film for demonstration using only relevant ‘highlights’, which are
sufficient for the training proposal and not just interesting or fun. Producing such a film may not
fit in a timeframe provided by the program. Since using video effectively and efficiently is
difficult, it may be better not to use it at all, if there are no conditions to use it well enough.
9.10 DISCUSSIONS. Discussion is often needed in a course of training for many obvious
proposals. It also provides opportunity to develop one of the most important skills for local
officials. Therefore, does not matter, what is the topic of training and subject for discussion, the
training design and the role of trainer should ensure, that all discussions would give participants
very positive experience of highly effective collaboration. For that, certain rules (e.g. ‘never
explain, before you are asked to explain something’, ‘fist questions, then opinions’, and so on)
may be agreed and implemented.
9.11 ACTION PLANNING. There is a category of things that would never happen, if they were not
planned. It is applicable to most of good intentions, which rise in trainees’ harts and minds in a
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