Why use ‘Train the Trainer’? (4 minutes)
Train the Trainer allows projects to deliver training to participants on a broader scale, and helps to ensure that any contributions are in-line with the protocols and objectives of the project. The aim of Train the Trainer is to enlist facilitators to train participants of the project in how they can contribute. Typically, this involves building the knowledge, skills and understanding required to successfully run the training element of a project, allowing project partners and facilitators to effectively pass on the training to others. Train the Trainer has a variety of purposes, but is usually employed to ensure participants are trained to conduct the data collection component of a project.
TTT provides facilitators with an understanding of the projects focus area, familiarity with delivering the content of the project and practical coaching and facilitation skills. Importantly, to maintain bidirectional information and knowledge flow, facilitators should have the opportunity to provide feedback that can influence project protocols and should be encouraged to contribute and participate in multiple aspects of the project.
Certain competencies should be universal to participants, particularly in citizen science, and so sufficient training is critical. Train the Trainer ensures that participants are doing the same science, with the same rigour and level of understanding, sharing best practise amongst the network and training in a safe and engaging way. Ensuring that everyone has the correct skills and knowledge to participate in the project promotes more effective and accurate data collection. Equipping others with the skills and knowledge to train audiences is cost-effective, intelligent and efficient.