Effective training extends beyond the classroom by Debra J. Schmidt

Training may begin in a classroom, but often the learning ends there. New skills are quickly forgotten if they are not reinforced by managers, follow-up activities, on-the-job training and ongoing feedback.

Here are six ways to increase training effectiveness in your organization:

1. Require an action plan and timeline
To maximize the results of training, each employee should write a personal plan before they leave the meeting or classroom. Commitment to learning increases when employees outline specific actions they will take to implement the concepts they have learned.