A job aid helps people carry out a task on the job. It may be a checklist, a laminated reminder of language that must be quoted verbatim, a notebook summarizing a research protocol, a list of legal requirements, or a series of steps presented as a laminated attachment to a key chain. In designing training, it is important to keep in mind what resources actually help the learner use a specific process back on the job. Often, very simple job aids can make the difference between a new process being implemented as intended and training that achieves only limited changes in behavior.

 

Student manuals, workbooks, and other written materials or Web resources can be used to reinforce training and provide as-needed references. In developing such materials; however, keep in mind the reality of the learner’s schedule and the location of performance (for example, will he or she be in the office or visiting families?). The form of the job aid or resource should follow not only its function, but also the needs of the learner and realities of where and how the new skill or procedure will be used.