Planning

Learning Objectives
As a result of this training experience, you will
be able to:
 List the six steps required in planning training
courses.
 Explain the value and importance of carefully planned
training courses.
 State two basic types of plans.
PRE-PLANNING
Who gives you your training assignments?

Do you always receive an assignment from

someone else?
PRE-PLANNING
What questions must be answered before
developing a training plan?
Planning
Step 1. DEFINE THE TASK
What would we need to know about the
assignment before we accept?

 All the facts and figures: where, when, how, what

and who

 The objective or goal of the assignment: what we

are trying to accomplish
Step 2. IDENTIFY RESOURCES

When we consider the resources needed and

available, we need to ask ourselves:
 What resources do we need to accomplish the task?
 What do we already have?
 Where do we get what we don’t have?
 Are there any resources that require
special attention, advance planning,
or significant expense? Are there
alternatives?
Step 3. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

This step relates to alternate methods and

procedures for a training course. These might
include:

 What kind of training aids should we use?

 Which technique will be best for

getting the message across?

 How should we arrange the tables

and chairs?
 Step 3. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

This also relates to emergencies or the unexpected.

We should have a backup plan (Plan B).
 Are we prepared for equipment failures?
 Do we have an alternative session element
ready to use while a problem is corrected?
 Do we have backup presenters in case a member of the
training team suddenly becomes ill and cannot attend?
 Do we have modules that can be compressed or
deleted if there are time constraints?
Step 3. CONSIDER ALTERNATIVES

As trainers, we must set a good example.

If training courses are to run smoothly, we must

be prepared for the unexpected.

We need to decide which options

are best, and what alternative
measures should be taken.
Step 4. CREATE THE PLAN

Creating a workable plan can be a challenge.

 Training session outlines are provided in BSA training
manuals.
 We need to fill in the blank spaces.
A written plan tells everyone concerned what is
expected, and when.
 It provides a permanent record that will be helpful the
next time we conduct the course.
 It can serve as a backdated checklist
Step 4. CREATE THE PLAN

We should always create our plans in

written form.

We may want to include events that precede

the training course, as well.
Step 5. WORK THE PLAN

 Be sure you are ready.

 Review the previous steps.

 Do it! Hold the training course.

 Follow the written plan, but be flexible and make

any adjustments needed.
Step 6. EVALUATE

What should we evaluate about a training

course?

Did we accomplish what we set out to do?

Will we conduct it the same way again?

If not, what changes would we make?

BENEFITS OF PLANNING
We all know that problems occur from poor
planning, but what benefits can we expect
from good planning?
BENEFITS OF PLANNING
• Increased attendance at the next training session.
• Trainers build confidence and skill in handling
training aids and equipment.
• Leaders receive accurate and complete information,
and do a better job as a result.
• Trainers know what is expected.
• Trainers stay within the time limits.
• Trainers give enthusiasm and confidence to other
leaders.
• Learning objectives are achieved.
TWO TYPES OF PLANS
There are two types of plans that relate to training:

SHORT-RANGE PLANS

LONG-RANGE PLANS
SHORT-RANGE PLANS
 Meet a particular objective in the near future
 Cover a limited area of training
 Answer the question: Are we doing things right?
 Should fit well within and contribute to long-range plans

Some examples:
• Plans for basic training sessions for new leaders who
have just been recruited
• Plans for a den chief training conference
• Plans for training roundtable staff members
LONG RANGE PLANS
 Cover a longer time
 May include a variety of different types of training
Some examples:
• An annual plan, including Fast Start and basic training
• Makeup training sessions
• Den chief training
• Regular monthly roundtables
• Supplemental training
• Personal coaching
• Self-study
LONG RANGE PLANS

We should not overlook the importance

of long-range plans in providing a total
leadership growth and development
program for leaders.
SHORT- AND LONG-RANGE PLANS
Both short-range and long-range plans are
developed using the six steps discussed earlier.

Planning is crucial in administering an effective

training program.
Assignment

Plan the team’s BSA 500 victory

celebration, using the Six Steps
of Planning.
SUMMARY

 A well planned training course is easier to

present and easier for participants to
understand.

 The process permits each planning step to be

revisited whenever necessary.

 On-going improvements make training more

effective.