What are the best ways to incorporate feedback from subject matter experts into technical training materials?

1 Identify your SMEs

Before you start developing your training materials, you need to identify who your SMEs are and what kind of feedback they can offer. SMEs, which are people with extensive knowledge and experience in a specific domain or field, can be internal or external to your organization. You should look for SMEs who can validate the accuracy and relevance of your content, clarify complex or technical concepts and terms, provide examples, scenarios, or case studies to illustrate your points, suggest additional resources or references for further learning, and review your content for clarity, consistency, and completeness.

2 Communicate your expectations

Once you have identified your SMEs, you need to communicate your expectations clearly and respectfully. You should explain the purpose and goals of your training project, the target audience and their needs, the format and style of your training materials, and the timeline and milestones of your development process. You should also specify the type and level of feedback you are looking for, the tools and methods you will use to collect and manage feedback, and the roles and responsibilities of each party. You should also establish a regular communication channel and schedule with your SMEs, and update them on your progress and challenges.

3 Incorporate feedback strategically

After receiving feedback from your SMEs, you need to strategically incorporate it into your training materials. You should evaluate the feedback objectively and critically, asking yourself questions such as if it aligns with the learning objectives, enhances accuracy and relevance, suits the level and needs of your target audience, or improves clarity and consistency. Additionally, you should prioritize the feedback based on its importance and urgency, addressing the most critical issues first. It is also important to document and track the feedback you receive and changes you make, then share them with your SMEs for confirmation or clarification.

4 Thank your SMEs

Finally, you should thank your SMEs for their time and effort, and acknowledge their contribution to your training project. You should express your appreciation and gratitude, and highlight the value and impact of their feedback. You should also solicit their feedback on the feedback process itself, and ask them how you can improve your collaboration in the future. You should also maintain a positive and professional relationship with your SMEs, and keep them informed of the results and outcomes of your training project.

5 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?