Train-the-trainer is an educational method extensively used by organizations for capacity development. Despite the wide spread use of this method, there is little information regarding its use, role in educating adults, and participant perceptions of its utility. Healthcare service providers’ perceptions of a train-the-trainer educational method was investigated in this qualitative study. A focus group methodology was used. Content analysis revealed themes about participant perceptions. The overall theme identified was the need to address location-specific challenges, specifically, recognition by the trainer of the context of communities and programs in which the training occurs. Organizations using this method need be flexible and willing to revise the training plan based in adult learner needs. Service providers recommended that the provision of strategies and examples for transfer of learning into practice was critical as was the tailoring of train-the-trainer workshops in length, facilitation style, resources, and delivery modality to community capacity and needs. / October 2008

Train-the-trainer is an educational method extensively used by organizations for capacity development. Despite the wide spread use of this method, there is little information regarding its use, role in educating adults, and participant perceptions of its utility. Healthcare service providers’ perceptions of a train-the-trainer educational method was investigated in this qualitative study. A focus group methodology was used. Content analysis revealed themes about participant perceptions. The overall theme identified was the need to address location-specific challenges, specifically, recognition by the trainer of the context of communities and programs in which the training occurs. Organizations using this method need be flexible and willing to revise the training plan based in adult learner needs. Service providers recommended that the provision of strategies and examples for transfer of learning into practice was critical as was the tailoring of train-the-trainer workshops in length, facilitation style, resources, and delivery modality to community capacity and needs.

Train-the-trainer is an educational method extensively used by organizations for capacity development. Despite the wide spread use of this method, there is little information regarding its use, role in educating adults, and participant perceptions of its utility. Healthcare service providers’ perceptions of a train-the-trainer educational method was investigated in this qualitative study. A focus group methodology was used. Content analysis revealed themes about participant perceptions. The overall theme identified was the need to address location-specific challenges, specifically, recognition by the trainer of the context of communities and programs in which the training occurs. Organizations using this method need be flexible and willing to revise the training plan based in adult learner needs. Service providers recommended that the provision of strategies and examples for transfer of learning into practice was critical as was the tailoring of train-the-trainer workshops in length, facilitation style, resources, and delivery modality to community capacity and needs.

A threefold approach was utilized to analyze the problem of defining personal fitness trainers’ qualifications. First, the problem was explored nationally, internationally and locally. Within the local context, the history of the exercise science program, stakeholders and culture at the University of Central Florida and in the central Florida marketplace was examined. Next, a systematic literature review examined possible causes within the knowledge context, learning/motivational context and organizational/cultural context. Then, an original research study investigated the qualifications for Central Florida, Personal Fitness Trainers (PFTs) by examining the relationship(s) and/or differences between variables such as education, certification, years of experience and income as well as attitudes, opinions and beliefs (AOBs) regarding those variables. An online questionnaire was emailed to 196 PFTs in the central Florida area and utilized to assess qualifications as they relate to income. The 48 PFT participants were compared based on education (ED), certification (CE), and experience (EX) and their effect on income. There were no statistically significant differences in 2012 income based on (ED) level, F(4,26) = 2.283, p=.086. The National Strength and Conditioning Association (NSCA), American College of Sports Medicine (ACSM), and National Academy of Sports Medicine (NASM) were the preferred (CE) companies (ranked 1st or 2nd, 65% and 45% of the time respectively). From the 48 PFTs that answered the survey, 54% of PFTs agreed (A) or strongly agreed (SA) that a degree should be required in order to practice, 73% (A) or (SA) that (CE) is helpful in gaining employment, and 66% (A) or (SA) that a national board exam or license should be required to practice. The least number of (ED) courses was taken in biomechanics and business marketing. In conclusion, PFT level of education and certification iii type does not significantly affect income given the current system. PFTs agree that more stringent guidelines are needed to limit entrance into the profession to those who are more qualified. The author presents a new model for undergraduate curriculum and instruction requiring hands on coursework, certification and internship or service learning project.

This thesis is devoted to the theme of the development of soft skills trainers' competencies. A special attention has been paid to the various roles that a trainer has when performing his/her job and the related competencies that are essential for high-quality mastering of this profession. The focal points are the possibilities of trainers' teaching competence development within formal and informal education that a trainer has during preparatory as well as further education with special emphasis on the methods that can be employed to achieve this education. The empiric part of this thesis maps the ways of acquiring trainer's competencies as they occur in practice, their connection with further professional development. At the same time it verifies the suitability of the methods that are used to develop competencies. Based on the interpretation of information provided by the respondents and study of relevant literature, a methodological concept of education of a trainer has been developed.

This thesis is devoted to the theme of the development of competencies of soft skills trainers. A special attention has been paid to the various roles that a trainer has when performing his/her job and the related competencies that are essential for high-quality mastering of this profession. The focal points are the possibilities of development of trainers' teaching competence within formal and informal education that a trainer has during preparatory as well as further education of trainers with special emphasis on the methods that can be employed to achieve this education. The empiric part of this thesis maps the ways of acquiring trainer's competencies as they occur in practice, their connection with further professional development. At the same time it verifies the suitability of the methods that are used to develop competencies. Based on the analysis of information provided by the respondents and study of relevant literature, a methodological concept of education of a trainer has been developed.

Zugl.: München, Univ., Diss., 2004

Universiẗat, Diss., 2004--München.

Universiẗat, Diss.--Kiel, 2005. / Literaturverz. S. 213 - 224.

Bachelor-Arbeit Univ. St. Gallen, 2006.