Trainer Basics

Training Versus Education

You may have noticed that the terms used so far in this book are training terms, such as trainer and learner. However, several terms—participant, trainee, student, pupil—are used in the profession that are taken to mean the same thing. If you think some of these terms sound like education terms, you would be right. In the long run, terminology does not matter, but names can affect perception, as shown in table 1-1.

Table 1-1. Classification does make a difference.

Name	What the Name May Mean to You	What This Person May Actually Do
Attendee	Someone who shows up on time	Shows up, maybe
Audience	Someone who will laugh and clap for you	Pays attention, if entertained
Student	Someone who will behave like a child	Keeps quiet, takes notes, ...