Staffing, Training and Development

Training Methods

Unit 2: Part
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 Training Methods

Learning Objectives
After you have finished studying this topic, you should be
able to:
discuss various training methods

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 The Lecture Method
What is a lecture?
When one person conveys information to a group by talking to
them, with or without the use of visual aids, this is called a
lecture.
A formal lecture allows limited participation by the audience,
and there is little interaction (or feedback) between the
speaker and listeners.
When should lectures be used?
A lecture is suitable for large groups where interaction is not
practical.
Lectures are appropriate when the material has little relevance
to personal experiences (e.g. technical theory).
When a speaker is a recognized expert in a field of study,
lectures are used because the audience is primarily there to
hear what is being said. 3
 The Lecture Method Pros and Cons
Advantages:
There is efficient use of time in lectures
Lectures allow experts to share information with large groups.
The material in a lecture helps to keep the focused on
learning objectives.
Drawbacks:
The lecturer cannot be sure their message was correctly
received by the audience, unless a separate discussion period
is used for follow up.
Often the overall depth of learning will be relatively low
because there is limited interaction, but the lecture method is
very popular in universities and many professional situations.
The successful transfer of information is completely
dependent upon the skills of the lecturer (essentially it is one
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way communication).
 The Talk (Presentation) Method
What is a talk (presentation)?

A talk (presentation) is similar to a lecture, however the

audience has greater involvement and interaction with the
speaker.
During a talk, the audience is often allowed to briefly
interrupt the speaker with questions, comments, or short
discussions.

When should talks be used?

A talk is appropriate when time constraints are not critical,
and the atmosphere is less formal.
Talks are often used for small to moderate size groups where
the objective is to exchange information.
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 The Talk Method Pros and Cons
Advantages
A talk is less formal and more comfortable for everyone.
A talk allows the audience to ask relevant questions and
become fully engaged in the learning process.

Drawbacks
The speaker must have a wide knowledge of the subject
matter, and be willing and able to answer questions.
The speaker must be able to control the audience so that
questions and comments do not sidetrack the entire
presentation. The speaker must also carefully monitor
the time and pace of a talk.

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 The Demonstration Method
What is a demonstration?

When a trainer has the audience actually perform a task by

showing and explaining how to do it, this is called a
demonstration.
During a demonstration, the audience is encouraged to ask
questions and request assistance as they try to do the task by
themselves.

When should demonstrations be used?

The demonstration method is effective when there is teaching
skills.
Demonstrations are appropriate when there is plenty of time for
interaction because practice is necessary to master most skills.
Demonstrations are best for small groups, or when adequate
staff is available to work with a large group. 7
 Demonstration Method Pros and Cons
Advantages
Demonstrations provide a hands-on experience (hear,
see, do).
Participants have plenty of interaction with trainers,
and everyone is allowed to progress at their own pace
as they master the skill.
Drawbacks
Demonstrations require a lot of preparation, time,
materials, and patience. The time allotted for
demonstrations must be flexible.
It is important to insure every participant has an
opportunity to master the skill being taught.
Hands-on activities can be a time-consuming and
difficult, especially in the case of complex skills. 8
 The Case Study Method
What is a case study?

A case study is a realistic presentation of a situation

that has multiple viewpoints, involves reasoning and
decision making.
A case study can be presented orally or as a written
document.

When should a case study be used?

Case studies are useful when real-life situations can be
used as examples to highlight the training topic(s)
being covered.
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 Case Study Pros and Cons

Advantages
Everyone is actively engaged in the case study process.

Individuals are forced to make a decision, and then

defend it.

Drawbacks

Although the final outcome of a case study analysis

forces each individual to draw a conclusion and make a
decision, it should be recognized that it is not necessary
to reach consensus.
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 The Role Playing Method
What is role playing?
A training method in which trainees act out parts in a
realistic situation

When participants and/or trainers act out parts in an

open-ended story intended to highlight conflicting
viewpoints, this is called role playing.

When should role playing be used?

Role playing can allow everyone to participate.

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 Role Playing Pros and Cons
Advantages
Role playing is an excellent forum for exploring the
topics such as conflict resolution.
Individuals are often inclined to express true feelings
when role playing.
The group listens better and learns more because
they are seeing and hearing the subject matter as it is
acted out.

Drawbacks
The themes for role playing exercises must avoid
sensitive issues such as local culture, religious
teaching etc.
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 The Simulation Method
What is a simulation?

A training exercise that recreates an event which could

actually happen, so that participants experience the
situations, is called a simulation.
Simulation is a hands-on training (e.g. simulation of a first
aid emergency, fire drill etc.) .

When should simulation be used?

Simulations can be effective when an elaborate
demonstration is the best method of training a moderate
to large size group.
The simulation method is appropriate for crisis
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management training exercises.
 Simulation Pros and Cons
Advantages
Simulations are realistic hands-on events in which
participants feel, see, hear, and do.
A simulation experience provides a high level of
knowledge transfer.
Simulations are a form of experiential learning.

Drawbacks
Simulations require lots of careful planning, materials,
preparation, and equipment.
A realistic simulation is often expensive. For example a
mock fire drill can require entire office staff to vacate
the premises productive time wasted.
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 Other Training Methods
Coaching: On-the-job approach to management development in which
the manager is given an opportunity to teach on a one-to-one basis.

Behaviour Modeling: A training method in which trainees are first shown

good management techniques in a film, are asked to play roles in a
simulated situation, and are then given feedback and praise by their
supervisor.
A process of learning from other peoples experience by simulating
(copying) their behaviour.
Behaviour Modeling involves:
1. Showing trainees the right way of doing something
2. Letting trainees practice what has been taught
3. Giving feedback on the trainees performance

Discussion Method: Uses a lecture to provide trainees with

information that is supported, reinforced, and expanded on through
interactions both among the trainees and between the trainees and
the trainer
The discussion method provides a two-way flow of communication 15
 Topic Exercise

Explain the following training methods

1. Lecture

2. Demonstration

3. Role playing

4. Simulation

5. Discussion

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