What do you do when learners break training rules?

1 Establish clear expectations

Before the training begins, make sure you communicate the training rules and expectations to the learners. Explain the purpose and benefits of the rules, and how they relate to the learning objectives and outcomes. For example, you can say that punctuality is important because it shows respect for the trainer and the other learners, and that it ensures that everyone can cover the content and participate in the activities. You can also ask the learners to sign a learning contract or agreement that outlines the rules and consequences of breaking them.

2 Address rule violations promptly

If a learner breaks a training rule, don't ignore it or hope that it will stop. Instead, address it promptly and firmly, but respectfully. For example, if a learner is using their phone during the session, you can pause the training and ask them to put it away or leave the room. If a learner is interrupting you or others, you can remind them to wait for their turn or use a signal to indicate that you are not finished. If a learner is cheating on an assessment, you can confiscate their materials and inform them of the consequences. The key is to be consistent and fair, and to avoid escalating the situation or humiliating the learner.

3 Use positive reinforcement

While you need to correct learners who break training rules, you also need to acknowledge and reward learners who follow them. Use positive reinforcement, such as praise, recognition, feedback, or incentives, to encourage learners to adhere to the rules and to create a positive learning environment. For example, you can thank learners who arrive on time, compliment learners who contribute to the discussions, or give learners who complete the assessments a certificate or a badge. Positive reinforcement can also motivate learners who break training rules to change their behavior and improve their performance.

4 Seek feedback and support

Sometimes, learners break training rules because they are bored, frustrated, confused, or overwhelmed by the training. As a trainer, you need to seek feedback and support from the learners and other stakeholders to identify and address the root causes of rule violations. For example, you can use surveys, polls, quizzes, or interviews to collect feedback from the learners about the training content, delivery, pace, and relevance. You can also ask for support from your manager, colleagues, or mentors to help you design, deliver, and evaluate the training more effectively and efficiently.

5 Reflect and improve

Finally, as a trainer, you need to reflect and improve on your own skills and practices to prevent or reduce the occurrence of rule violations. For example, you can review your training plan, materials, methods, and outcomes, and identify what worked well and what didn't. You can also seek feedback from your peers, supervisors, or clients, and learn from their experiences and suggestions. You can also enroll in professional development courses, workshops, or webinars to update your knowledge and skills on training ethics and professionalism.

6 Here’s what else to consider

This is a space to share examples, stories, or insights that don’t fit into any of the previous sections. What else would you like to add?