Training activity information
Details
Develop standard operating procedures (SOPs) or other user or technical documentation for a system development change and provide training
Type
Entrustable training activity (ETA)
Evidence requirements
Evidence the activity has been undertaken by the trainee repeatedly, consistently, and effectively over time, in a range of situations. This may include occasions where the trainee has not successfully achieved the outcome of the activity themselves. For example, because it was not appropriate to undertake the task in the circumstances or the trainees recognised their own limitations and sought help or advice to ensure the activity reached an appropriate conclusion.
Reflection at multiple timepoints on the trainee learning journey for this activity.
Considerations
- Adapting communication for the audience
- Presentation of information for a range of users and purposes
- Third party involvement
- Training methods and documentation
Reflective practice guidance
The guidance below is provided to support reflection at different time points, providing you with questions to aid you to reflect for this training activity. They are provided for guidance and should not be considered as a mandatory checklist. Trainees should not be expected to provide answers to each of the guidance questions listed.
Before action
- What does success look like for developing documentation and providing training? How does this activity support implementing new applications and upgrades using controlled methodology? What is the specific system change, and who is the target audience for the documentation and training (users, technical staff)? What level of detail and clarity is expected?
- What is your prior experience with writing technical documentation or delivering training? Are you familiar with different styles of documentation (user manuals, technical guides, SOPs)? What challenges might you encounter, such as explaining technical concepts clearly, tailoring content for different audiences, or managing questions during training? When might you need to seek help, e.g., on best practices for documentation or training delivery? How do you feel about creating these resources and training others?
- What specific skills do you want to develop in technical writing, instructional design, or public speaking/presentation? What insights do you hope to gain about the importance of clear communication and effective training in successful system implementation?
- Have you reviewed existing SOPs or documentation styles within your department? What resources (e.g., templates, presentation software) are available? How will you structure the documentation and training session? How will you assess understanding or gather feedback?
In action
- As you are writing a specific section of documentation or explaining a particular step of a system change in training, are you encountering anything that feels surprising or different from what you are anticipating? For instance, are you finding it unexpectedly difficult to articulate changes clearly, or are unexpected questions or a lack of understanding arising during training delivery? How does this documentation/training experience compare with your previous experiences of similar activities?
- As you encounter an unexpected challenge while developing documentation or providing training, how are you reacting and adapting your approach? For example, if you realise your explanation isn’t clear while writing, how are you rephrasing it in the moment? If participants seem confused during training, how are you adjusting your pace, examples, or asking clarifying questions? Are you considering other ways you could approach this task, such as using different visual aids or a different documentation format? Is this affecting your ability to complete the documentation or training independently? Are you feeling confident you can reach a successful conclusion despite the unexpected issue, or are you finding it difficult to adapt? Are you recognising when you might need to seek immediate feedback on a section of documentation or a training technique?
- What new insights or lessons are becoming apparent to you as a result of the unexpected development and your reaction to it during the activity? For example, what are you learning about technical writing or instructional delivery as you create/present? Are you recognising how you are working within your scope of practice, for example, by knowing when to pause or seek immediate advice regarding documentation or training content? Top of Form
On action
- Summarise the process of developing the documentation/SOPs and providing the training. What specific parts of creating the content or delivering the training felt most important or challenging? Recall any moments during writing or training where you had to adjust your language or explanation based on your audience’s.
- What did you learn about creating clear documentation (for users or technical staff) or delivering effective training on system changes? What strengths did you demonstrate in understanding the system change, articulating steps, or engaging with your audience? What skills or knowledge gaps were evident, perhaps regarding technical writing conventions, instructional design principles, or managing group questions? How did this experience compare to previous attempts at documentation or training? Did you apply learning from prior reflections on communication or training activities? What challenges did you face (e.g., explaining complex steps, ensuring understanding, handling unexpected questions)? How did you react to these? Did you need to seek advice on structuring the documentation or delivering the training?
- What actions or next steps will you take to improve your technical writing and training delivery skills? What aspects of documentation standards, training techniques, or audience engagement do you need to practise or learn more about? How will you approach developing documentation and providing training differently next time?
Beyond action
- Looking back at the SOPs or documentation you developed and the training you provided, how would you evaluate their clarity, accuracy, and effectiveness for users? Have you been involved in developing other documentation or providing training since this training activity? How does your current approach compare to your initial experience? If you received feedback on your documentation or training, how has that feedback informed your subsequent practice? Revisit your reflect-on-action notes for this training activity. What aspects related to communicating technical information or facilitating learning now seem more or less significant in light of subsequent experiences?
- How has your experience with developing documentation and providing training influenced your understanding of the implementation phase of systems development? How has it contributed to your appreciation of the importance of user support and clear instructions when implementing system changes? Did this experience help you understand the different documentation needs of technical users versus end-users? Has it influenced how you think about structuring information and explaining complex concepts effectively?
Relevant learning outcomes
| # | Outcome |
|---|---|
| # 6 |
Outcome
Implement new applications and upgrades to an existing application using controlled methodology. |