Adult learning presents a challenge for trainers and content developers. In many cases, technical classroom training consists of lecture-based slide driven presentations with no interactivity. Research indicates this traditional learning environment is not an effective method to promote knowledge transfer and long-term retention in adult trainees. Current adult learning research confirms that classroom time is most effective if lecture is interspersed with a variety of teaching methods, including group discussion and brief interactive exercises. Based on these findings, the service provider investigated an alternative instructional strategy. This paper will discuss current research and will give specific details on how to create an effective interactive classroom. Guidelines include changing the mindset from traditional classroom teaching methods to a student-centered learning environment, segmenting lecture sessions, and incorporating a variety of activities relevant to course objectives. Examples from various oilfield services technical training courses will be provided to model new course activities. This paper will help the industry design, develop, and facilitate effective training courses by describing an interactive classroom methodology to maximize knowledge transfer and on-the-job retention.

"What does this have to do with the real world?" These words sometimes thought by students in the academic world should never go unanswered by technical training classes in the corporate world. In the competitive business environment of today, at a time when mistakes on the job cost a premium, the industry needs technical training that effectively makes the leap from the classroom to the job. Valid strategies for classroom learning transfer do exist. Classroom training must be made relevant to the workplace. This can be accomplished, for example, by providing context, building new information based upon old information using realistic exercises and simulations, applying memory techniques and referring to specific questioning techniques that relate classroom information to the job. In this paper, the research behind learning transfer as well as specific technical oilfield examples will be discussed. This information is relevant to industry professionals who wish to facilitate an effective learning transfer from the classroom to the field.

In the industry, there is an abundance of highly technical engineer-based training available on drill string design, but a different approach is required for employees that simply need a basic understanding of drill string principles. Some trainees and shop-hands have a need for a basic understanding of bottom hole assembly (BHA) fundamentals and drill string design in order to build a foundation for future training courses as well as eventually make informed choices on the job.To meet this need during our training course, we chose five basic topics that covered BHA fundamentals and drill string design, and we covered each of the five topics using current adult learning fundamentals. The content we chose was: BHA components and assemblies, drill pipe anatomy and identification, connection science, failure mechanisms and basic drill string design. Exercises designed specifically for the content required students to label the critical pin and box area of a connection, create posters on failure mechanisms and calculate the maximum overpull for drill pipe, among other things. Our objective was to provide training that not only addressed the necessary technical information, but also presented the content in a way that was geared towards learning and retention.Pre and post test results, along with course evaluations, offered evidence this introductory level course provided the students with an effective foundation of knowledge. Most students left the course with a better understanding of BHA fundamentals and were able to describe specific ways that the course would help them do their jobs better. Information provided in the paper can benefit trainees or shop-hands seeking a basic understanding of drill-string principles. The information is also applicable to training departments industry-wide looking to develop introductory technical training.