A Roadmap for Training Engineers If you present in a way that
matches how adults learn, then you can present for long-term
retention, and for real action. By Amy K. Smith, PhD, Concordia
University Chicago, River Forest, Ill. Providing opportunities
for engineers to learn and apply new technologies is a tricky
endeavor. After all, you don't always feel we have the time,
money, or attention to devote to the next innovation, especially
since innovation is so constant it's almost daunting. This is
where the tricky part comes in: How do you design in-house
training opportunities so that they are effective? More
importantly, how do you train so that your listeners actually
retain and use? Good questions. You can present new
technologies, products, and systems, but if those who are
listening do not remember what you impart, then their thinking
or behavior doesn't change. And after all, you give talks to
inform, educate, and incite action. Knowing how adults actually
learn should guide your communications; it will i