Training reinforcement goes beyond just reminding learners through use of meaningful content from your training session to create measurable behavior change.

1. Reinforcement isn't just sending reminders!

Reinforcement is about changing your learners’ behaviors by helping them apply their new skills. Simple reminders don't add value to your training, but comprehensive reinforcement does.

2. Reinforcement objectives should build on your training goals. 

Training reinforcement takes into account your training goals, learning objectives, and expected behavior outcomes. View our 10-step guide for help determining measurable training objectives.

3. Reinforcement focuses on creating lasting behavior change.

We recommending following this simple guideline: Plan, Do, Check, Act.

• Plan around your expected outcomes
• Do reinforce your training content
• Check your results
• Act on those results

4. Create a reinforcement program before the training takes place.

A training reinforcement program should be created before the actual training takes place so your organization can introduce reinforcement before the training ends, adding value to your training session.

5. Consider the frequency and length of reinforcement.

Carefully consider the frequency of messages and length of the reinforcement program. If you don't account for frequency or timing, you're simply reminding your learners and missing out on the true impact of reinforcement.

6. Begin your reinforcement program immediately.

Training reinforcement should begin immediately after training ends. Learners will begin to forget within hours and days of their last training session, so starting your reinforcement program immediately after the last class day is paramount.

7. Maintain engagement throughout the reinforcement course.

To maintain engagement, reinforcement content should be quick, meaningful, and helpful. In addition to the reinforcement program, it's important that management have ongoing communication with learners with pulse checks and to solicit feedback to check learner progress.

8. Determine how you'll measure success.

It's important to determine how you'll measure reinforcement success. Once reinforcement data begins to accumulate, you’ll be able to create Actionable Intelligence for your organization. This intelligence can be used to make improvements for your learners, training programs, and overall organization.

Reinforcement goes beyond reminding by using quick, meaningful training content in a structured format to create lasting behavior change.

Interested in learning more about training reinforcement? Download our eBook now:  The Beginner's Guide to Reinforcement.

This post was originally published on July 5, 2017.