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Instructor Training and Support

Product Development’s guide to preparing and supporting instructors in delivering curriculum effectively.

Instructor Support

Key Support Processes

Instructor Support

Key Support Processes

Course Delivery Timeline

Minimum Delivery Deadline

  • All course materials must be finalized and delivered at least 30 days before the cohort start date.
  • Allows time for Canvas setup, instructor onboarding, simulation training, QA review, and technical alignment.

Launch Preparation Timeline

  • Week -4 (Minimum) — Course Delivery Handoff: All module content, labs, assessments, and slide decks submitted; QA review completed via PS ID Companion; course marked 'Ready for Implementation'; Canvas build process begins.
  • Week -2 — Instructor Preparation: Instructor assigned and onboarded; course walkthrough completed; instructor materials reviewed.
  • Week -1 — Final Canvas Setup: Canvas shell finalized and tested; all modules, assignments, discussions, and groups published or scheduled; learner teams assigned; kickoff slides and welcome messages posted.
  • Day 1 — Course Launch: Simulation introduction delivered; learner teams formed or activated; first stand-up initiated; instructor begins daily facilitation cycle.

Canvas Setup Checklist

Instructor/Delivery Lead Must Ensure:

  • Modules and content are published in correct order
  • Assessments configured with rubrics and due dates
  • Group discussions set up for team-based activities
  • External tools (Google Drive, labs, forms) integrated and tested
  • Permissions and grade posting settings confirmed
  • Instructor-only content hidden from students

Instructor Delivery Expectations

Daily Routines

  • Morning Kickoff: Post or deliver a short scenario-framing message (2–3 mins)
  • Monitor Canvas Discussions: Review stand-ups, retros, and team threads
  • Active Coaching: Join discussions or labs; guide through questions
  • Progress Tracking: Use a KPI tracker or instructor log to capture team progress and blockers

Facilitation Best Practices

  • Active Listening: Watch for team conflicts, blockers, or disengagement
  • Socratic Questioning: Lead with questions to encourage learner decision-making
  • Simulation Anchoring: Tie all activity back to the role or workplace task
  • Normalize Challenge: Encourage learning from mistakes and reflection

Technical & Instructional Support

Common Challenges and Instructor Responses

  • Learner disengagement: Prompt check-ins, adjust simulation pacing, re-engage in stand-up discussions
  • Simulation goes off-track: Re-anchor scenario in Canvas or live, clarify expectations
  • Missed assignments: Identify root cause, support time management, scaffold next deliverable
  • Curriculum bugs or clarity questions: Respond to Canvas tickets from learners — address broken links, unclear instructions, or content issues
  • Technical issues in Canvas: Follow internal escalation process or contact LMS support

Feedback & Monitoring

Feedback & Monitoring Schedule

  • Daily: Monitor Canvas discussions, review tickets, and document key observations
  • Weekly: Use structured retros or reflection prompts to gather feedback
  • End of Module: Evaluate SBA submissions and log performance against KPIs
  • End of Course: Conduct final reflection + team simulation debrief

Key Implementation Tools

Essential Tools

  • Canvas Course Shell (pre-built or duplicated)
  • QA Rubrics (integrated into assessments)
  • KPI Tracker (Google Sheet or Airtable template)
  • Scenario Kickoff Slides (per module)
  • Facilitation Guide (includes timing, coaching tips, and red flags)
  • Support Directory (tech help, Slack channel, curriculum contacts)
  • PS ID Companion (used during development and for final QA)

Need support with implementation?

  • Join our weekly curriculum development sync.
  • Access the instructor community for peer support.
  • Schedule an implementation consultation with an instructional lead.
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