Even in this digital era, instructor-led training programs are far from dead. In many instances, it is still practical to conduct face-to-face classroom learning, especially when introducing new and complex processes. In this article, we’ll talk about some of the things that can contribute to its success.
- Find the Right Instructor
The most important is to find the right instructor to lead the training. Hire an expert on the topic. Otherwise, the participants will not realize the value of the program. It is also good to hire someone with a sense of humor to keep the participants engaged and to make the learnings memorable. The trainer should be charismatic, making it easier to establish a better connection between the instructor and the learner.
- Consider Blended Learning
While instruction-led training programs are traditionally done in a classroom setting, this does not mean that such should be the only medium. Consider implementing a blended learning approach. Aside from having classroom training, mix it with online lessons. If you need help in executing a successful e-learning experience that blends with classroom lessons, check out True Office Learning, a provider of online compliance training programs.
- Make it Fun
Find a way to make instructor-led training fun to engage the participants and improve retention rates. One of the best things to do is to use games to train the employees. By incorporating gamification, you are also promoting healthy competition. You can do this by having badges, leaderboards, and challenges, among other things. It is also a good idea to provide prizes or rewards.
- Encourage Participation
This is another way of making the instructor-led training program effective and fun. Plus, this will also minimize boredom. Encourage the participants to voice out their opinions. Give them the opportunity to speak. The instructor, on the other hand, should practice active listening skills and value the thoughts of the trainees. A good practice for instructors is to always ask questions and let the participants respond.
- Know the Audience
Like with other kinds of training programs, it is crucial to understand the audience. This is an opportunity to identify their needs. In turn, this will let the instructor determine the best approach towards introducing new ideas and conducting the training. This is a must to identify the tone and approach that works best for a specific group.
- Restrict the Class Size
One of the most common reasons why instructor-led training programs fail is that the class size is too big. It is best to limit the number of participants to make sure that everyone will be given equal attention. This is also a great way for the instructor to be more hands-on during the program.
Even with the advent of new approaches to learning in organizations, such as microlearning, instructor-led training remains popular. As mentioned above, to make it more effective, consider hiring the right instruction, encourage participation, know the audience, and blend it with other learning methods.
