The Power of Refreshment: Reviving and Solidifying Knowledge

In a recent training we conducted, we adopted a different approach by incorporating both refresher and direct application.For many years, we have successfully implemented our "Conflict Resolution Trainer Training" program in the field. This time, we enriched it with a different format—a “Refresher Training.” So, why was this refresher process so effective, and what differences did it create?

Our program is requested by organizations looking to improve conflict resolution skills and teams aiming to disseminate these skills in the field. Usually, we conduct this training only once, but this time we updated it based on feedback from participants and restructured it to refresh forgotten knowledge and support it with practical applications. The difference this time was completing the training with a direct “implementation practice.”

Typically, we allocate the last days of our training of trainers for participants to engage in practical implementations. However, this time we adopted a different approach: Participants conducted a training application in a group format with a new group they hadn’t worked with before. This group activity enhanced collaboration, enabling participants to learn from each other while providing them with the opportunity to test themselves in a new environment.

In the theoretical part of the training, we focused on the questions “What are we applying, and why?” This allowed participants to not only be limited to content but also to reassess how this content serves the overall purpose of the training. Thus, they analyzed their training processes with these questions, gaining greater awareness in making content suitable for its purpose.

Some important gains we observed during this process:

• The sustainability and permanence of the trainer training were strengthened.

• Participants began to ask more frequently, "How can I convey this information in my own style?"

• Their ability to connect topics and activities improved.

• As their mastery of the subject increased, their teaching skills became more prominent.

• The application training planned immediately after the refresher training allowed participants to engage in group work, which increased their motivation.

• Working in groups enabled them to better understand team dynamics and develop their problem-solving skills within the team.

• Their problem-solving skills in overcoming potential challenges during the training preparation and implementation phases improved.

• Participants had the opportunity to directly discover gaps in their content and areas of skills that needed development.

This experience demonstrated the positive impact of refresher training and accompanying application practice on participants. In training, sustainability and development are not only about imparting new knowledge but also about refreshing existing knowledge and providing opportunities for implementation.

The positive results we achieved motivate us to further disseminate and develop this method.

What do you think about the impact of such refresher trainings and group work? We would love to hear your comments!