Training Methods

Methods of training

There are various methods of training, which can be divided in to cognitive and behavioral methods. Trainers need to understand the pros and cons of each method, also its impact on trainees keeping their background and skills in mind before giving training.

Cognitive methods are more of giving theoretical training to the trainees. The various methods under Cognitive approach provide the rules for how to do something, written or verbal information, demonstrate relationships among concepts, etc. These methods are associated with changes in knowledge and attitude by stimulating learning.



The various methods that come under Cognitive approach are:

- Lectures

- Demonstrations

- Discussions

- Computer based training

- Intelligent tutorial system

- Programmed Instruction

- Virtual reality


Behavioral methods are more of giving practical training to the trainees. The various methods under Behavioral approach allow the trainee to behavior in a real fashion. These methods are best used for skill development.

The various methods that come under Behavioral approach are:

- Games & Simulations

- Behaviour Modeling

- Business games

- Case studies

- Equipment Stimulators

- In-basket technique

- Role plays


Both the methods can be used effectively to change attitudes, but through different means.

Another Method is MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT METHOD –

MANAGEMENT DEVELOPMENT –

The more future oriented method and more concerned with education of the employees. To become a better performer by education implies that management development activities attempt to instill sound reasoning processes.

Management development method is further divided into two parts:

ON THE JOB TRAINING –

The development of a manager's abilities can take place on the job. The four techniques for on the job development are:

COACHING
MENTORING
JOB ROTATION
JOB INSTRUCTION TECHNIQUE (JIT)

OFF THE JOB TRAINING –

There are many management development techniques that an employee can take in off the job. The few popular methods are:

SENSITIVITY TRAINING
TRANSACTIONAL ANALYSIS
STRAIGHT LECTURES/ LECTURES
SIMULATION EXERCISES

Training Design

The design of the training program can be undertaken only when a clear training objective has been produced. The training objective clears what goal has to be achieved by the end of training program i.e. what the trainees are expected to be able to do at the end of their training. Training objectives assist trainers to design the training program.

The trainer – Before starting a training program, a trainer analyzes his technical, interpersonal, judgmental skills in order to deliver quality content to trainers.

The trainees – A good training design requires close scrutiny of the
trainees and their profiles. Age, experience, needs and expectations of the trainees are some of the important factors that affect training design

Training climate – A good training climate comprises of ambience, tone, feelings, positive perception for training program, etc. Therefore, when the climate is favorable nothing goes wrong but when the climate is unfavorable, almost everything goes wrong.

Trainees’ learning style – the learning style, age, experience, educational background of trainees must be kept in mind in order to get the right pitch to the design of the program.

Training strategies – Once the training objective has been identified, the trainer translates it into specific training areas and modules. The trainer prepares the priority list of about what must be included, what could be included.

Training topics – After formulating a strategy,
trainer decides upon the content to be delivered. Trainers break the content into headings, topics, ad modules. These topics and modules are then classified into information, knowledge, skills, and attitudes.

Sequence the contents – Contents are then sequenced in a following manner:

  • From simple to complex
  • Topics are arranged in terms of their relative importance
  • From known to unknown
  • From specific to general
  • Dependent relationship
Training tactics – Once the objectives and the strategy of the training program becomes clear, trainer comes in the position to select most appropriate tactics or methods or techniques. The method selection depends on the following factors:
  • Trainees’ background
  • Time allocated
  • Style preference of trainer
  • Level of competence of trainer
  • Availability of facilities and resources, etc



Support facilities – It can be segregated into printed and audio visual. The various requirements in a training program are white boards, flip charts, markers, etc.

Constraints – The various constraints that lay in the trainers mind are:
(a) Time
(b) Accommodation, facilities and their availability
(c) Furnishings and equipments
(d) Budget
(e) Design of the training, etc 



Lifecycle of training process :