SOO Training Resource Center

Results of Survey

In December 1998, we sent out a survey to all SOOs asking some questions about their background in training, where they get materials for training and information on how to be a trainer, what methods they use, and what additional support or information they would like in this area. Twenty-eight SOOs returned the questionnaires (a return rate of about 23%). While this isn't a high enough number to draw solid conclusions about SOOs in general, the survey provides an interesting picture of at least this segment of the group. The results are summarized below.

Demographics:

  1. N = 28 (23% return)
  2. 9 from Southern Region, 8 from Central Region, 5 each from Western and Eastern Regions, 1 from a National Center
  3. Average time in SOO position = 3.9 years, s.d. 1.4

Time spent on training:

  1. 60% spend 20 hours or less developing training each month, 28% spend 21-40 hours
  2. 89% average 20 hours or less delivering training each month, and 21% of those spend less than 5 hours

Preparation for being a trainer (more than one answer was possible):

  1. 50% of respondents had previous job positions that helped prepare them
  2. None said the course in Kansas City helped them be prepared for the job
  3. 50% also said they felt they could have had more preparation
  4. 7% felt they had been unprepared as a trainer

Background in instructional design (ID) (more than one answer was possible):

  1. About 33% of the respondents have taken a course in ID, 33% have read books on the subject, and 40% answered that they don't know much about ID
  2. 68% would be interested in learning more about ID
  3. 14% regularly use ID concepts, 25% sometimes use them, 4% never use them, and 58% aren't sure whether they do or not

Top problems in job:

  1. 80% say that finding the time to spend with forecasters on training is the most difficult problem
  2. Other significant problems include:  finding out about materials others SOOs have developed (75%) and motivating forecasters (71%)
  3. Developing new training (60%) and scheduling training (50%) were next highest
  4. Developing training plans, finding new materials, finding new ideas on ways to do training, and knowing what training was needed all were in the 30-40% range; none of the problems listed where checked by fewer than 36% of the respondents
  5. Also mentioned as "Other": ensuring forecasters can apply training, convincing management that training is needed, doing case studies on all significant weather in the CWA, making training a priority when interest is in software/technology 

Sources of materials for training:

  1. 62% of the respondents said their materials come from their own development efforts
  2. The next most common sources were COMET and books, followed by research done in the local offices and conferences. Least common are universities and SSDs

Sources of materials for how to be a trainer:

  1. The most common responses were previous experience and on-the-job training
  2. The next most common was talking to other SOOs.
  3. The two least common selections were COMET and the other NWS training centers

Type of training used most frequently:

  1. 16 SOOs do mainly 1 on 1, 13 use small groups, and only 4 use large groups for most of their training

Training methods used most frequently:

  1. Most commonly used methods are demonstrations and seminars, followed by drills and independent study
  2. Least common are case studies and workshops

Preferences for threaded discussion topics that will be held as part of the new Training Resource Center:

  1. Instructional design --  21 respondents
    How to fit training in an office that has little time for it -- 19 respondents
    Motivating forecasters who resist training -- 16 respondents
    Evaluating training -- 14 respondents
    Developing training plans -- 13 respondents
  2. "Other" entries included: common ways to develop training (i.e., PowerPoint) that all can use; how to plan training when you have little time; training adults; tutorials on Corel Presentations 8 and Optel; what kind of training to develop

Robert Rozumalski

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