723 Conducting OSH Training

Tips for Training Adults

Use lists: When you're training adults, it's important to understand how they learn best. Adult learners are practical, goal-oriented, and want training to be useful and respectful of their time. One key tip is to use lists. Adults process short-term memory in a linear way, so lists help organize information clearly. You don't need to limit yourself to boring bullet points—make it interesting and memorable. For example, when teaching a course on effective recognition, you can use a themed list where every item starts with the same letter. Here's one built around the letter "S":

• Soon: Recognize the behavior as quickly as possible after it happens so it feels connected and meaningful.
• Spontaneous: Don't overthink it—just do it. Recognition doesn't always have to be planned.
• Simple: A small gesture like a handshake, a thank-you card, or treating someone to lunch can go a long way.
• Selection: Let the employee choose the reward when possible. People value different things.
• Significant: The recognition must matter to the person receiving it. It should feel personal and important.
• Sincere: Authenticity matters. If it doesn't come from the heart, it won't touch the heart.

Use Acronyms: Another helpful technique is using acronyms. Acronyms turn complex ideas into simple, easy-to-remember chunks. For example, when teaching the five basic responsibilities of a supervisor in a safety course, you might use the acronym "STARS." It stands for:

• Supervision: Providing oversight and guidance on the job.
• Training: Making sure employees have the knowledge and skills they need.
• Accountability: Holding team members responsible for following safety procedures.
• Resources: Ensuring workers have the tools and support to do their jobs safely.
• Support: Being available to listen, coach, and help resolve safety concerns.

Let them know what's important: Throughout the training, make it clear when something is especially important. Don't be afraid to say things like, "This is a key concept" or "Pay attention to this—it's going to come up again." When you highlight important ideas, it helps learners focus on what matters most.

Keep things interesting by adding surprise: Adults are more likely to remember something new or unexpected. Follow the 80/20 rule—keep about 80% of the training structured and predictable, but include 20% that's surprising, fun, or different. This could be an unexpected question, a short video, or a challenge activity.

Involvement is also crucial: Give participants the chance to talk, share ideas, and respond. You can ask them to work in pairs, participate in group discussions, or explain a process in their own words. When people are involved, they retain more and enjoy the experience more.

Invite them to be creative: Encourage them to come up with their own lists, acronyms, or group exercises. You might say, "How would you explain this to a new employee?" or "What acronym would help you remember these five steps?" Creativity helps make the training stick and gives learners a sense of ownership.

Knowledge Check Choose the best answer for the question.