How I Became a “Training from the Back of the Room” Certified Trainer

My Early Years in Training and Education

To address the question How I Became a “Training from the Back of the Room” Certified Trainer, I need to reflect back to around 2003 or 2004, I recall my time at a major IT company where my journey in training and education began. This period marked the start of my deep involvement in training initiatives, which quickly grew into a passion. Over the years, I developed a lot of training materials and even took on the role of an MBA professor in Brazil. Teaching had become a significant part of my life.

In my role as a training lead, I delivered various training sessions on improving team practices and Agile methodologies. Despite my efforts, I often felt a disconnect. The traditional classroom setup, where I was the sole speaker and the students were merely passive listeners, seemed increasingly outdated. This method, the norm of my own educational experience, was all I knew.

Discovering Training from the BACK of the Room

However, everything changed in 2019-2020 when I enrolled in an Agile coaching class. The trainer introduced a dynamic approach known as “Training from the BACK of the Room” (TBR). This method engaged participants in a way I had never seen before, transforming the learning environment and igniting my curiosity.

During the class, we explored various activities specific to TBR. A particularly memorable one was the “4Cs design,” which we spent an hour practising. This experience was my first encounter with Sharon Bowman’s influential TBR approach. Eager to learn more, I bought her book and immersed myself in its principles, gradually integrating them into my own teaching.

The Transformative Impact of Training from the BACK of the Room

The impact of this new approach was immediate and profound. My students began providing overwhelmingly positive feedback. Some even claimed these were the best classes they had attended in over a decade with the company. This response motivated me to delve deeper into the Training from the BACK of the Room method.

In 2023, I had the opportunity to attend an official TBR training session, followed by a certification class. This journey was instrumental in developing the skills necessary to become a certified TBR trainer.

I firmly believe in the effectiveness of TBR techniques for adult learners. I have continued to incorporate these activities into my training sessions, witnessing firsthand their impact on engagement and learning. My passion now lies in sharing these innovative practices with others, encouraging more people to discover this transformative approach to teaching and learning.

In conclusion, my journey to becoming a certified “Training from the Back of the Room” trainer has been a journey of discovery, growth, and passion. It’s a testament to the power of innovative teaching methods and the impact they can have on both trainers and learners alike.

Click here to learn more about Training from the BACK of the Room certification.