The purpose of planning is to develop opportunities to learn that will eventually improved performance or develop capacity . . . Experienced trainers know that there is not always a direct route from a particular learning experience to improved performance or expanded capacity. Learning is just one of the variables that influences performance and capacity. Everything directed toward maximizing learning needs to be done well. This includes planning . . . and facilitation.
Planning is also necessary to set the scene for informal learning.
There are some useful techniques for planning, and without careful planning, training usually does not produce learning. Trainers have accumulated and developed useful rational models for planning and implementing training. Assess learners' needs. Define objectives based on these needs. Identify learning experiences to meet those objectives.