TRAINING METHODS

H. Louis

Training Methods

A training method is the process, technique or approach which a trainer uses in teaching.

The method by which training is delivered often varies based on the needs of the company, the trainee, and on the task being performed.

The method chosen will motivate employees to learn, help them retain and transfer what they have learned and enhance performance with other skills and knowledge.

Some Common Training Methods

On-the-job Training Apprenticeship Training Lectures Informal Learning Programmed Learning Job Instruction Training Audiovisual-Based Training Simulated Training Computer-Based Training Distance and Internet-Based Training

On-the-Job Training

On-the-job training (OJT) means having person learn a job by actually doing it. It is one of the best training methods because it is planned, organized, and conducted at the employee's worksite.

Types of On-the-job training Coaching or understudy method – acquiring skills by

observing the supervisor Job rotation – trainee moves from job to job at planned

intervals

OJT Steps

Step 1 Prepare the worker Put the worker at ease State the job and find out what the worker already

know about it Stimulate the worker's interest in learning the job Place the worker in the correct position

OJT Steps

Step 2 · Present the operations

· Tell, show and illustrate one important point at a time· Stress each key point· Instruct clearly, completely and patiently, but teach no more than the worker can master

OJT Steps

Step 3 · Try out the worker's performance

· Have the worker do the job, and correct errors· Have the worker explain each key point to you as he or she does the job again· Make sure the worker understands, and continue until you are certain of this

OJT Steps

Step 4 · Follow up

· Put the worker on his or her own· Designate to whom he or she should go for help· Check frequently· Encourage questions· Taper off extra coaching and reduce follow-up

Pros and Cons

Pros It is relatively inexpensive Trainees learn while producing It is highly practical and reality-based. It also helps the employee establish important

relationships with his or her supervisor or mentor. Cons Training is not standardized for employees. There is often a tendency to have a person learn by

doing the job, providing no real training. It can be difficult to find the right person to conduct it

Apprenticeship Training

Apprenticeship is a combination of on-the- job training and related classroom instruction by which people become skilled workers.

Apprenticeship usually consists of full time on the job experience where trainee learn how to do the job in the real world.

Trainee will be working with a skilled trainer who will teach him the skills he need.

Lectures

A lecture is the method learners often most commonly associate with college and secondary education.

In this method, the trainer does all of the talking. He or she may use handouts, visual aids, question/answer, or posters to support the lecture.

Communication is primarily one-way: from the instructor to the learner.

Pros and Cons

Pros Less time is needed for the trainer to prepare than other

methods. It is a quick and simple way to present knowledge to

large groups of traineesCons Does not actively involve trainees in training process. The trainees forget much information if it is presented

only orally.

Informal Learning

Most learning doesn't occur during formal training programs. It happens through processes not structured or sponsored by an employer.

Informal learning is the term which describes what happens the rest of the time.

Informal learning describes a process by which trainees acquire values, skills and knowledge from daily experience and the resources in their environment. For example, by performing their jobs in collaboration with their colleagues

Programmed Learning

A systematic method for teaching job skills that consists of three parts

1) Presenting questions, facts or problems to the learner

2) Allowing the person to respond

3) Providing feedback on the accuracy of answers Programmed learning is based on the principles of

small steps, self-pacing, and immediate feedback.

Pros and Cons

Pros It reduces training time It also facilitates learning because it lets trainees learn at

their own pace Provides immediate feedback and reduces the learner’s

risk of errorCons Trainees can easily get side-tracked and may move

slower than the trainer desires. It is also more difficult to measure the employee’s

progress.

Job Instruction Training (JIT)

Job Instruction Training (JIT) teaches employees how to do their jobs correctly, safely and with maximum efficiency.

In this method, the trainer list all necessary steps in the job, each in its proper sequence along with key points of each step, in order to provide step-by-step training for employees

Audiovisual-based Training

Audiovisual-based training techniques includes DVDs, films, PowerPoints, audiotapes and videotapes are widely used because of their effectiveness

These techniques are more effective then lectures in situations which are not easily demonstrable in live lectures, such as open heart surgery, visual tour of a factory

Pros and Cons

Pros It is easy to provide this training and the trainer

can follow-up with questions and discussion. It is also easy to assure that the same

information is presented to each trainee.

Cons It is expensive to develop

Simulated Training

Simulated training is a method in which trainees learn on the actual or simulated equipment they will use in the job, but are actually trained off the job

Trainees participate in a reality-based, interactive activity where they imitate actions required on the job.

It is necessary when it is too costly or dangerous to train employees on-the-job such as in airplane pilot training

Pros and Cons

Pros It is a useful technique for skills development. Training becomes more reality-based, as trainees are

actively involved in the learning process. It directly applies to jobs performed after training.Cons Simulations are time-consuming. The trainer must be very skilled and make sure that

trainees practice the skills correctly. Only perfect practice makes perfect.

Computer-Based Training

CBT is a method in which a trainee learns by executing special training programs on a computer relating to his/her job

Trainee uses interactive computer based systems to increase his or her knowledge or skills

Some Computer-based training techniques Computer-based Programmed Instruction (CPI)

Computer-based Programmed Instruction (CPI) programs consist of text, graphics and multimedia enhancements that are stored in memory.

The CPI program presents the trainees with information in the chunk, and then tests them on their retention of the information.

Some Computer-based training techniques

Computer-Managed Instruction (CMI)

Computer-managed instruction (CMI) uses a computer to manage the administrative functions of training, such as registration, record keeping, scoring and grading.

Some Computer-based training techniques

Intelligent Computer-Assisted Instruction (ICAI)

When the CBT system is able to provide some of the primary characteristics of a human tutor, it referred to an ICAI system.

Expert systems are used to run the tutoring aspect of the training, monitor trainee knowledge within a programmed knowledge model and provide adaptive tutoring based on trainee responses.

Some Computer-based training techniques

Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS)

Intelligent Tutoring System (ITS) make use of artificial intelligence to provide tutoring that is more advanced then ICAI type tutoring.

ITS learns through trainee responses the best methods of facilitating the trainee’s learning.

Some Computer-based training techniques

Simulations

Computer simulations provide a representation of a situation and the tasks to be performed in the situation.

Trainees perform the tasks presented to them by the computer program and the computer monitors their performance.

Some Computer-based training techniques

Virtual Reality

Virtual reality is an advanced form of computer simulation, placing the trainee in a simulated environment that is virtually the same as the physical environment.

This simulation is accomplished by the trainee wearing special equipment such as head gear, gloves and so on, which control what the trainee is able to see, feel and other senses.

The trainee learns by interacting with objects in the electronic environment to achieve some goal.

Pros and Cons

Pros Quick and faster Instructional consistency Increased retention

Cons Very expensive

Distance and Internet-Based Training

Distance training includes: Teletraining With teletraining, a trainer in a central location teaches groups of

employees at remote location via television hookups.

Videoconferencing Videoconferencing allows people in one location to communicate live

via a combination of audio and visual equipment with people in another city or country, or with groups in several cities.

Internet-Based Training

It is defined as a planned teaching/learning experience uses Internet or computer-based, to reach learners.

Many firms use IBT. They let their employees take online courses offered by online course providers

Pros and Cons

Pros Quick Inexpensive

Cons Lack of human contact