Communicate like a seasoned corporate trainer with our guide.

Corporate training is an ever-changing industry that is consistently evolving over time through changing circumstances and increases in technology. With that comes many terms and phrases to describe innovations and the latest trends. As global leaders in this industry, we at CTM have put together a glossary that defines some of the most common terms we use every day in hopes that you can better understand corporate training and its many nuances. We consulted CTM Sales Representatives Hailey Conley and Seth Rozee for the most relevant and commonly used industry lingo. Below is our Jargon Guide: Corporate Training Edition.

Accreditation – The certification of an individual who meets standards set by a credible body through teaching and assessment.

Andragogy – The practice and theories behind effective teaching in an adult learning context.

Asynchronous Learning – Occurs when participants learn independently on their own time. There is no live interaction during asynchronous learning. An example of asynchronous learning is eLearning that includes all the content needed for self-study.

Authoring tools – Authoring tools are software that allows you to create interactive and engaging eLearning material. Commonly used example is Articulate Storyline

Blended Learning – Combining online and instructor-led training into one training workshop to suit a variety of learner needs and preferences. Also referred to as hybrid learning.

Bloom’s Taxonomy of Skills – the different levels of learning classified by cognitive, affective, and psychomotor and their hierarchy.

Continuous Learning – The effort of consistently expanding on your knowledge personally and/or professionally to gain new and relevant skills over the course of one’s career.

Courseware – Organized content developed with the intent of using for workplace or corporate training workshops.

Customizable Training Material – Content used for training that gives you the ability to edit, revise, and rebrand as your own.

eLearning – An umbrella term that means providing training and instruction through an electronic format. This can be through a variety of different types of devices such as computers, tablets, and mobile devices. Any device with an internet connection can provide eLearning.

Facilitator – Instructors who examine learners’ knowledge and help increase it through providing an enriching training experience.

Gamification – Training that is designed to teach learners in a format similar to a game in an effort to increase engagement and overall learner experience.

Ice Breakers – Exercises used in training workshops as a warm-up and to build trust and comfortability within a group of participants, typically presented as games or exercises that can be done to help gain a better understanding of the topics being discussed, or simply to give your participants an opportunity to get to know each other better. This can help promote collaboration throughout your workshop and increased engagement.

Instructor-Led Training – Instructor-led training (ILT) is when a training program is facilitated in real-time through a trainer/instructor. This gives learners access to an expert on the subject matter for feedback and discussions.

Learning Management System (LMS) – A learning management system - also known as an LMS - is an online software application used to provide eLearning. The ideal LMS for your organization should include the features and the customer support you need to coordinate the delivery of your eLearning content effectively.

Microlearning – A learning format in which training material is delivered in more concise sections as an individual piece of training or as part of a series over time. 

mLearning – The delivery of learning, education or training on mobile devices, such as mobile phones, tablets, laptops or PDAs. Allows training and support to be taken anywhere, making it flexible and convenient for companies to use

Multi-Tenant LMS – An online infrastructure that has the ability to serve a number of different customers on one single LMS.

Needs Analysis – The process of identifying and evaluating the specific needs of employees. Trainers should be taught how to conduct a needs analysis in their training programs so they can determine how to cater their workshop to their participants.

Non-Exclusive Publishing Rights – Grants the licensee singular permission to publish the materials without exclusivity. Other individuals or companies can publish the materials too.  

Post-Test – A formal test given to learners after training has been delivered to check for understanding. Used by instructors in combination with pre-tests to check for an increase in knowledge.

Pre-Test – An informal quiz given to learners before a workshop is delivered. This gives the trainer a baseline idea of learner’s knowledge they can be mindful of as they present the training.

Quick Reference Sheets – A single page document that covers the overall highlights of a training topic in a concise and readable format, typically using text and infographics.

Risk Management – The process or discipline of identifying risks to an organization, its people and its property and then working to eliminate or mitigate those risks. Training is often at the core of these processes, since it is people who often cause risk, and it is people who can often prevent it or manage it.

SCORM – SCORM stands for Shareable Content Object Reference Model. It serves as a standardized way for eLearning courses to be developed and delivered.

Self-Publishing Books – Ghost written content that trainers can distribute as their own to enhance the learning process and boost credibility. 

Self-Study – A learning style in which the learner works independently at their own pace to retain information and complete all the requirements associated with it.

Skills Gap – the missing link between skills already instilled in a professional and the skills required to complete a task or job effectively. Skills gaps can be filled through corporate/workplace training.

SMART Goals – SMART Goals is an acronym that discusses the ways in which strategic goals should be set, standing for Specific, Measurable, Attainable, Realistic, and Timely.

Soft Skills – Skills that contribute to finding success in a corporate job. They are considered how you work, rather than what specific work you are doing. Examples include communication skills, time management, emotional intelligence, and more.

Succession Planning – The preparation of adapting to changes surrounding the exit of important employees in an organization to ensure smooth internal transitions of roles.

Synchronous Learning – Occurs when participants are all being trained together in real-time. An example of synchronous learning is a live instructor-led training session. 

Training Outsourcing – The process of an organization using a third-party source to provide training materials and activities for their own internal use in an effort to save time and expenses.

Train-the-Trainer – Preparing instructors to provide effective and engaging training to others within an organization.

User Experience – The ease of use for learners using a device or software for an ideal training experience.

Video Companion Kits – Video clips that complement - not replace - instructor-led training materials to increase engagement and interactivity.

Virtual Instructor Led Training – Also referred to as vILT, a training style that is virtual, but mimics a traditional classroom setting by providing real time training from a qualified instructor through software such as Zoom.

White-Label Training Materials – Training content in which the buyer can can rebrand and deliver the materials as their own, turning it into private label materials for that company.

By keeping up to date on industry terminology and trends, you boost your credibility and demonstrate expertise in your industry. This builds confidence and allows you to deliver the most effective training to suit your learners.

Did we miss any corporate training jargon? Let us know in the comments below!

Posted by Katelyn Roy on May 6, 2021