The Trainers’ Notes provide trainers with the conceptual framework and practical tools that can be used toward developing positive attitudes and environments that challenge stigma and discrimination. The Trainers’ Notes supplement the PowerPoint presentation by including theory, discussion and/or activities to guide trainers and it is crucial that adequate time is given for these to occur. The training notes are not intended to be spoken directly to participants; rather they are preliminary readings and prompts to give trainer’s guidance on the direction and aims of the workshop and each session. Some areas have more trainers’ notes than others, which is not necessarily an indication that more time should be spent in those areas. More information may have been needed to explain a complex issue and/or to provide trainers’ with background material in order for them to gain a better understanding of the issue/s and any concerns which may arise.
Trainers are encouraged to adapt their session workshop plans depending on the training time available, participant needs, desired learning outcomes and existing training materials. Trainers’ should also as a matter of course, ensure they are familiarised and feel comfortable and confident with the content of the PowerPoint presentation and corresponding Trainers’ Notes. It is recommended that two hours minimum is given to deliver the workshop program and allow extra time if short breaks are to be included.
Depending on the level of facilitating experience and confidence, trainers may need more or less than two hours. It is suggested that prior to the workshop, trainers run through the material to determine the exact length of time needed to comfortably cover all the material in the workshop program. In addition to the two hour workshop, a set of ‘optional extras’ are available for those workshops that can be extended for more than two hours, as further information for sessions and/or as in some cases, offers alternative activities. In those cases the ‘optional extras’ can be slotted into the ‘core’ material to expand and enhance the workshop session plan. Trainers may use the ‘optional extras’ to bolster a topic that they wish to focus in on, or when an alternative activity may be better suited to a particular audience. The trainers’ notes indicate exactly where in the session structure the ‘optional extras’ best fit.
