Foundations of Training & Development

This unit introduces learners to the role of training professionals, adult learning theory, and the ADDIE training cycle while grounding them in practical skills for opening, facilitating, and evaluating learning. Students will learn to assess needs, design engaging session openings and visuals, prepare learning environments, and plan follow-up to increase transfer of learning, preparing them to design more detailed instruction in subsequent units.

Learning Objectives

• Analyze the roles, responsibilities, and emerging trends in talent development (including ATD and workplace futures) to situate the trainer within organizational contexts
• Apply adult learning principles and the ADDIE framework to develop a basic needs-assessment plan and a focused learning objective that guides training design
• Demonstrate effective facilitation techniques by creating and delivering a dynamic opening, selecting appropriate visuals, preparing the learning environment, and responding to common training problems in online and face-to-face settings
• Evaluate training success by selecting appropriate evaluation methods and follow-up strategies that align with program goals and foster a continuous learning culture