Tip #176: Identifying Attitude-Changing Key Content

In the lesson design process, we identify the key content to determine what must be taught so that all of the training goals will be accomplished.
Last week, we looked at the first template, which identifies the key content for skill building training. This week, we'll look at examples of the second template, which identifies the key content for training that focuses on changing attitudes.

Example #1: Identifying Key Content for Changing Attitudes
Directions: (1) State the training title and goals;
(2) Follow the template;
(3) Keep in mind that the target level of learning is comprehension.

Title: Why It's Important to be on Time!

Training Goals: The participants will recognize the importance of being on time [what] to ensure a less stressful and more productive work environment [why].

Attitude Changing Template:	Learning Level:
1. What it is (definitions of terminology or standards):	Comprehension
What it means to be on time
2. Why care about it (benefits or consequences of the content from the learners' perspective):	Comprehension
How it affects the participants when others are not on time
3. Why it is important (legal, procedural, or conceptual requirements or guidelines):	Comprehension
Company work rules or contracts
4. How to recognize or accomplish it:	Comprehension
Different strategies that can ensure getting to work on time
5. What to do in different situations: What to do in different situations that could result in tardiness	Comprehension
Example #2: Identifying Key Content for Changing Attitudes
Title: Avoiding Sexual Harassment
Training Goals: The participants will recognize the importance of avoiding sexually harassing behaviors [what] to ensure a less stressful and more productive work environment [why].
Attitude Changing Template:	Learning Level:
1. What it is (definitions of terminology or standards):	Comprehension
What sexual harassment is
2. Why care about it (benefits or consequences of the content from the learners' perspective):	Comprehension
How it affects the participants or those they care about
3. Why it is important (legal, procedural, or conceptual requirements or guidelines):	Comprehension
Federal and state law, company rules
4. How to recognize or accomplish it:	Comprehension
Examples of sexual harassment
5. What to do in different situations:	Comprehension
What to do in different situations that could result in sexual harassment
Example #3: Identifying Key Content for Changing Attitudes
Title: Cultural Awareness
Training Goals: The participants will recognize the importance of being aware of cultural differences [what] to ensure effective customer service [why].
Attitude Changing Template:	Learning Level:
1. What it is (definitions of terminology or standards):	Comprehension
What it means to be culturally aware
2. Why care about it (benefits or consequences of the content from the learners' perspective):	Comprehension
How it affects the participants or those they care about
3. Why it is important (legal, procedural, or conceptual requirements or guidelines):	Comprehension
Federal and state law, company rules
4. How to recognize or accomplish it:	Comprehension
Examples of cultural differences
5. What to do in different situations:	Comprehension
What to do in different situations that require cultural awareness

This template, as well as the template we outlined last week, is a work in progress. If you have any suggestions to improve either template, I will welcome them!