President's Message
As President of Friesen, Kaye and Associates (FKA), it is my pleasure to welcome you. For over 55+ years., we have been a thought leader in the field of workplace learning and performance. During that time, we have earned the reputation as the #1 Train-the-Trainer organization in North America and beyond.
Our mission is to help organizations strengthen the performance of people by providing high impact learning and performance solutions specifically designed to meet business needs.
We achieve this in two significant ways, which reinforces and sets us apart as the experts in knowledge transfers and workplace performance:
The first is our ability to enhance the capabilities of our client’s internal resources through a full curriculum of programs and workshops.The second differentiator is to supplement our client’s capacity to analyze needs, develop and deliver customized learning programs, and to evaluate and assess learning initiatives, through collaboration as a trusted partner.
If you don’t see what you’re looking for on our website or our Guide to FKA Products and Services, please contact us, and remember…..Whether your business is banking or high-tech, healthcare, pharmaceutical or transportation, manufacturing or service…. exploration, imagination or innovation…. FKA has the expertise to meet your needs.
We look forward to working with you.
Michael Nolan
President
Friesen, Kaye and Associates
FKA Principles for Learner-Centered Instruction
FKA’s Instructional Systems Design Methodology is the leading workflow for developing learning. While following the methodology, FKA’s best practices apply key principles to promote learner-centered instruction and workplace learning.
FKA Systematic Learning Process
The primary model applied in design and delivery is FKA’s Systematic Learning Process. The Systematic Learning Process includes three distinct components, Presentation, Application and Feedback, which are incorporated into all of the learning solutions and programs we design and deliver for our clients and model in our learning curriculum. Our experience confirms that the transfer of performance to the workplace is increased substantially when participants are provided with an opportunity to both observe and apply the processes, principles and techniques in the learning environment.
Application: People learn by doing. The second major step in the FKA Systematic Learning Process is the Application component where the learner is required to use or practice the material just presented.
Feedback: After the Application component the learner requires Feedback to reinforce what was done correctly and to offer suggestions for improvement.
Motivation: The Presentation Application Feedback (PAF) cycle provides the framework and includes several key principles to enhance adult learning. The first item in the model is motivation. There is an initial motivation that is based on “WIIFM” – What’s In It For Me?
FKA Methodology
FKA’s state-of-the-art Instructional Systems Design (ISD) methodology is the cornerstone of all our product and services. This dynamic instructional design methodology is based on thousands of projects completed with customers like you. Not a static methodology, it is continuously refined to reflect the latest in the learning and performance improvement industry.
Training 2025 Conference and Expo - Feb 17 to 19, 2025 - Orlando
PO1 Master Instructional Designer – Fri Feb 14 – Sunday Feb 16 – Sean Rea
Embracing Neurodivergence in Training Programs – Mon, Feb 17, 2:30pm – Sean Rea
Conferences, Presentations and Events
FKA presents at National and Local Chapters of such organizations as the Annual Training Magazine Conference and Expo, The Association for Talent Development, The Institute for Performance and Learning, Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA), and The International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI).
You can see FKA at these upcoming events. It’s great opportunity to check out FKA experts in action or talk to our specialist about your learning and performance needs. Are you interested in bringing any of these special conference sessions to your location? Check out the complete list of Keynote Presentations.
Plan to stop by one of these industry events.
Our Mission
Friesen, Kaye and Associates helps organizations strengthen the performance of people by providing high impact learning and performance solutions specifically designed to meet business needs.
Our Core Values
Passion
We have a passion for learning that drives our commitment to energize, engage and inspire great design and delivery.
Customer Commitment
We are committed to the highest standard of customer service and we strive to consistently meet and exceed client expectations.
Collaboration
We leverage the collective genius of our clients, associates, and partners to ensure mutually agreed upon outcomes and results.
Integrity
We are honest, open, ethical and genuine which makes us a trusting partner.
Sustainability
We optimize knowledge transfer through our expertise, resulting in greater client workplace performance
Quality
We deliver our very best, holding ourselves accountable for the highest quality products and services.
Why Friesen, Kaye and Associates?
- We are an experienced and recognized leader in the workplace learning and performance field for over 55+ years.
- We have a unique, robust and patented Instructional Systems Design Methodology and a Systematic Learning Process.
- We have collaborated in the design and development of over 2,500 programs.
- We have trained and certified over 600,000 professionals.
- We are an award-winning organization with a global presence.
- We are recognized as learning and performance experts.
- We are versatile, and have designed, developed and delivered learning initiatives in every industry.
- We are innovative—we were first to market with: Microsoft MCT and CTT+ certification programs; CTT+ Exam Simulator; and Trainer Certification Coach – all designed by FKA learning consultants.
- We are a model of practical application in learning—we truly practice what we teach.
- We are client-centric; we listen to our clients and build what they need.
Client Testimonials and Reviews
FKA Team
About Michael Nolan
Michael Nolan is President of Friesen, Kaye and Associates. Michael’s extensive experience in both the private and public-sector spans more than 40 years in Performance Improvement, Learning and Development, Management, Sales, and Communication.
Michael has acted as a Training and Organizational Consultant for senior executives and human resource directors throughout North America and Europe. He has personally trained over 35,000 participants and worked with such clients as: Allied Learning Solutions, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Canon, Department of Defence, FEDEX, GlaxoSmithKline, IBM, Microsoft, Petsmart, Pfizer, Rogers, Scotiabank, Siemens, Sony Pictures Entertainment, Suncor, The Hartford, Verizon Wireless, United Nations, University of Phoenix and Walgreens.
Michael was a committee member of the Certified Technical Trainer (CTT+) Program which determined the scope, content and specifications of the CTT examinations. Prior to FKA, Michael was Director of Corporate Learning and Development at Mitel Corp., an international manufacturer of telecommunication systems. His public-sector experience was with the Dept. of Revenue as Head of Management Development and as a Learning and Development Consultant and Specialist with the Dept. of Health.
He has presented key learning and performance issues at major industry events including: Association for Talent Development (ATD – formerly ASTD), Institute for Performance and Learning (formerly CSTD), International Society for Performance Improvement (ISPI), Training Magazine’s Annual Conference & Expo, Training Solutions, On-Line Learning, TechLearn-Masie Center, and Human Resources Professionals Association (HRPA).
Michael is a sociology major from Carleton University and a member of: International Society for Performance Improvement, Association for Talent Development, and Institute for Performance and Learning.
To learn more, and to read Michael’s blog articles, please visit his blog profile page.
About Sean Rea
Sean Rea is the Director, Performance and Learning Solutions at Friesen, Kaye and Associates. His extensive experience in both the private and public-sector spans more than 20 years in Performance Improvement, Learning and Development, and Leadership.
Sean is a Training and Organizational Consultant for senior executives and HR directors throughout North America, Asia and Europe. He has worked with such clients as: Allied Learning Solutions, ArcelorMittal Dofasco, Amex, Canada Border Services Agency, Canada Revenue Agency, Canadian Security Intelligence Service, Lehman Brothers, Lenovo, NetSuite, Price Waterhouse Coopers, Royal Canadian Mounted Police, Standard Charter Bank and Sunlife.
He has presented at industry events including: The International Society for Performance Improvement, and Training Magazine’s Leadership Summit.
Sean is a Certified Training and Development Professional, Certified Performance Technologist, and Certified Technical Trainer. He is also an International Board of Standards, Training, Performance and Instruction (IBSTPI) Scholar.
About Tracey Briscoe
Tracey has been an integral part of FKA’s relationship management and learning advisory team for more than a quarter of a century. Tracey is an experienced and motivated account executive with a proven background in developing solutions to meet business and performance improvement needs for organizations and professionals.
About Geoff Nolan
Geoff has been in the training industry for close to 20 years providing sales and marketing for all of FKA’s training products and services. Geoff produces all of FKA’s virtual programs for clients around the world along with representing FKA at local and international tradeshows.
About Dave Burniston
Dave has over 25 years of experience working in the High Tech and Training sectors with 16 years at FKA. Dave is responsible for all technology related items and the production environment at FKA. Dave has a Bachelor of Science degree from the University of Windsor and a Diploma in Electronics Engineering Technology from Algonquin College.
Variety Interaction Visuals Examples (VIVE)
Within the Systematic Learning Process, the “VIVE” principle influences the design and delivery.
| Variety | Variety helps keep attention and interest. Regardless of the quality of the learning program, learners can potentially “go to the beach” about every 20 minutes. Components that can add variety are the:
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| Interaction | Interaction keeps the learners actively participating, one of the key adult learning principles. Interaction can occur through choice of presentation and application methods. Questions that draw out learner’s experience, and test for understanding also keep learners active during the presentation. A learner-centered program needs to provide opportunities for the learners to interact with content and with each other. |
| Visuals | Visuals add interest, help communicate content, and increase accessibility to information. Visuals can range from simple drawings, charts, graphs to photos, animations and videos. |
| Examples | Examples are often the key to understanding. It takes both a conceptual explanation and a concrete example to reach many learners. Examples, story-telling and annecdotes encourage learners to think about how ideas apply in their workplace and thus support transfer of learning to the job. Examples should be rich enough to be realistic, but not so complex that they are hard to follow. |
Adult Learning Principles (ALPs)
A best practice is to ensure the learning program respects adult learners. There are many adult learning principles, but based on experience FKA ensures all learning programs we design or deliver respect these key principles.
Adults Must
- have a reason to learn
- be involved in the learning
Adults Learn
- by building on experience
- by doing
- at different rates
- in different ways
Adults Need
- a variety of methods and media
- a meaningful program
- a safe environment
Adults Appreciate
- constructive feedback
- an informal environment
- being treated with dignity and respect
Bridging, Transfer & Sustainment Strategies
The final element required to promote successful learning is the development of bridging, transfer, and sustainment strategies designed to support and maximize the learning program.
The bridging strategy helps learners to move from the end of learning performance level to the required job performance level. The bridging strategy recognizes the need to have an explicit plan and set of activities to be completed back on the job, following the formal learning program. The strategy should include an assessment plan to determine when the performance objective/goal has been met.
A learning transfer strategy helps learners transfer what was learned in the formal learning program back to the job. It occurs when the knowledge and skills gained in the program are applied in the work environment and refined through planned practice and feedback. A transfer strategy engages the learner and their manager through discussions before, during and after the formal learning program. The focus of the discussions is to identify reinforcement activities and to eliminate or reduce barriers that will inhibit the use of the new knowledge and skills.
A sustainment strategy maximizes the learning transfer strategy and supports optimal outcomes. Sustainment activities help the learned behaviour “stick” for the long haul. After learners have had the opportunity to practice their new skill and knowledge back on the job, they meet online or in-person to discuss key concepts from the program and share their experiences with successes, challenges, and best practices.
Guide to our Programs and Services
Thank you for your interest in our Guide to our Programs and Services. Please complete the form below and you’ll be taken to the download page where you can view the Guide.
