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Explore the elements from Brian Washburn’s book
What’s Your Formula? Combine Learning Elements for Impactful Training

Handouts

handouts for training
stack of training handouts

Handouts

(HAN-d-outs)

radioactive elements

Radioactive

What are Handouts?

Handouts are print materials distributed to enhance a learning experience.

Other Common Names

Other common names for handouts include:

  • Participant Guides
  • Training Materials
  • Job Aids
  • Training Handout

Key Properties

Handouts, participant guides, user manuals, and job aids can serve as reference materials and can keep the learning lights on for participants for days, weeks, and even years after a training course. They can also turn them off if the handouts are not designed with intention and purpose.

There is one key property that characterizes element 15, Handouts:

  • hard copy or digital collateral provided to learners.
training handouts in folder

Resources From The Train Like a Champion Blog

Thoughts about Training handouts from the best handout of Them all (we're not biased)

  • "It’s important to keep in mind that slides and handouts serve two very different purposes. Working with one client, we were able to remove approximately 300 (!!!) slides from a two-day presentation deck by moving much of the information into a printed participant guide. This allowed the slides to be used specifically for visual cues to guide the presentation.
  • "As with all parts of your training program, if you want to get your handouts right, you should be thinking about any collateral you plan to distribute as part of the overall instructional design process."
Whats Your Formula book
Order your copy to learn more about handouts and all of the related elements.
experiments with handouts

Experiment: Al + Id + Hn

What happens when we mix Al (Adult Learning) + Id (Instructional Design) + Hn (Handouts)? Will we produce a way to grab your participants’ attention from the beginning of your session? Or will it blow up like your favorite sixth grade science experiment?

Elements Likely to Bond with Professional training Handouts (without the need for glue)

visual designVisual Design

Incorporating the element of effective visual design is essential to having Handouts that are professional looking, engaging, and memorable—something your learners will want to hold on to. It also demonstrates respect for your learners by not giving them something that looks like it was thrown together minutes before your session was about to begin.

learning objectivesLearning Objectives Taxonomy

As with all aspects of your training program, your Handouts should align and help accomplish your learning objectives. The more tangential your Handouts, the less likely your learners will find them useful and take them at the end of your program.

instructional designInstructional Design

Your Handouts are an opportunity to further the narrative and arc of the instructional design strategy you’ve crafted for your program.

Other Sources of Information on Creating better training Handouts

checklist

Download the Element Sanity Check

Even if you haven’t yet purchased the book (what are you waiting for?!) you can get access to worksheets that will help guide you through the use of the elements of amazing learning experiences.