The four-week REnEW program combines two weeks of classroom instruction in technical, safety, and soft skills with two weeks of on-site training. Our project scope involved updating two of the program’s technical modules: Module 3, “Energy in the Home,” and Module 4, “House as a System.” Based on surveys of past participants (trainees, trainers, and employers), these modules were identified as the most challenging concepts for the trainees to comprehend and retain.
Our mission was to update the content for technical accuracy, enhance its technical relevance for the job role, and improve the trainees’ understanding, comprehension, and retention of the information. This project showcases the capabilities of our team’s combined skill sets, integrating technical expertise in building science with relevant adult learning theories and instructional methods to create an impactful learning experience.
We completed a technical review and instructional design assessment, then identified key recommendations for updating the REnEW program materials. Our recommendations focused on reducing irrelevant content, enhancing trainee engagement, and conveying a succinct, relatable, and memorable story to the trainees.
After approval of our recommendations, we implemented the following key updates:
- Created small group activities that helped trainees retain the information, demonstrate their understanding of the material, and practice soft skills such as working as a team, communicating clearly, and setting expectations.
- Developed new technical illustrations to communicate complex concepts in simple terms.
- Redesigned the flow of the technical story being told to improve the trainee experience.
- Removed extraneous technical information while adding relevant new and updated content.
By combining building science knowledge with effective instructional design, RDH helped make complex concepts more approachable—equipping trainees with knowledge they can apply on the job from day one.
