Theme 3: Adult Learning
Working with Subject Matter Experts
Course: EAC 580: Designing Instructional Systems in Training & Development

This narrative discusses a project to create a plan to work with a subject matter expert (SME), to design a one-hour training program for local industry leaders about the effects of greenhouse gases on the environment. It is the instructional designer's responsibility to extract content from a SME in order to design an effective, meaningful training program.

Gary Morrison, an author of Designing Effective Instruction, created eight guidelines for working with SMEs. I incorporated these guidelines into my plan for working with a SME. One of Morrison's guidelines is to "build a rapport and gain the SME’s confidence". As part of this guideline, it can be useful for instructional designers to discuss some basic adult learning principles with the SME. Taking some time to do this on the front-end may assist with the SME's understanding and support of instructional materials and training methods that meet the needs of adult learners.

At the time I worked on this course document, I was new to the field of training and development and had no experience working with SMEs. Shortly afterwards I gained my first position as a curriculum designer and trainer, and have since worked with many SMEs to design and implement workplace training programs. It has been very helpful to have a set of guidelines to follow when working with SMEs. I have found that sharing a sample interactive training technique or exercise demonstrates my proficiency as an adult educator, gains approval to create adult-friendly learning materials, and establishes a positive rapport.

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