Training Methods

Training Methods

Dr. M. Akhter Hossain Director, Training, NIPORT Doctor of Philosophy (UK) Master of Arts (England) Master Trainer (USA) Master of Science, Dhaka University. DHMS, BHMCS, Dhaka.

Training Methods

Definition

Training method is a device used by the trainers to determine the pattern of instructions and participation, and to reinforce the learning process.

Importance of Using Training Methods

To ensure participation To remove monotony To make the topic attractive to the learners To make the topic easier to the participants To establish participants’ ownership in the

learning process To make the session conduction easier To ensure participants attention throughout

the session

Different Training Methods

Brain Storming Discussion Presentation Hands on practice /simulated practice/dummy

practice VIPP method Role Play Case study Group work Question and Answer

Brain Storming

Definition

Brain storming is a participatory technique used by both the trainers / facilitator and trainee/ participants for generating comprehensive ideas or a variety of solutions to problem. In the participatory training this is creative way of generating the greatest number of ideas in the shortest

possible time.

The method is particularly helpful to

Generate definitions Stimulate interest in the topic to be discussed at

the beginning of a lecture Share prior knowledge and expectations Plan program and activities Draw on trainees active participation as an

icebreaker.

Steps of Brain Storming

Step-1

Defining the problem for which solutions are required: The trainer or the group facilitators explain briefly

what he/she wants the participants to do. All members of the brain storm group must be clear

about the kinds of ideas that they are trying to produce.

Steps of Brain Storming Cont….

Step-2

The participants need to be remind the following rules about brainstorming:

All ideas /suggestions are acceptable and must be written down. No censoring/editing is allowed.

The aim is for quantity NOT quality No discussion, criticism, representation or

clarification of any kind is permitted Environment of freedom of thoughts is maintained. Environment for encouraging new ideas and

contributions from maximum number of participants. Should be completed within 5-7 minutes.

Steps of Brain Storming Cont….

Step-3

After about 5-7 minutes or when the responses died off, the group look at the list they have. Then the facilitator will-

Discuss what has come up, especially anything unexpected, explaining any terms of concepts the whole groups are not clear on.

Sort things in to groups Decide to keep some suggestions on the list for future

discussion or to throw them out. The aim is not decide whether the idea is good or not simply to whether it is worth discussing in the present comment.

Steps of Brain Storming Cont….

Step-4

After the review the remaining ideas are discussed to decide which suggestions to accept and to develop the ideas further.

The most important principles to be followed at this stage is that every single ideas are discussed and agreements/consensus are reached.

Presentation/Lecture

The Lecture method is both the most widely used and the most abused technique of training. It is primarily a one way communication: one person presents a prepared talk or a series of facts or information of a particular subject. The lecture is very economical is that little time wasted with discussion.

Opportunities

Time saving Control of topic Repetition Economy Flexible group size

Limitations

One way communication Boredom Attention span Lower retention rate The canned talk Feed back

Lecture Discussion

The lecture discussion is a modified version of the lecture, combining the content session with some discussion on the part of the trainees. This easy modification helps to overcome some of the earlier disadvantages of the lecture techniques used by itself. A lecture can be improved by asking questions that make the audience think about your ideas or concepts

Advantage

The advantage of discussion is that you get immediate feed back and can therefore, immediately correct any misunderstandings. One of the disadvantages is that the group may stay away from the intended topic. More time is required than for the lecture.

Group Work

By group work we mean subdivision of a larger group that

may range in size from three to six trainees. The smallgroup is the basic unit forms, participatory training.

Smallgroups, also known as buzz groups because of its

noise.

It has three characteristics: Active participation Face to face contact Purposeful activity

Opportunities

Involvement of everyone Reduced per pressure Variety of experience Exchange of ideas

Limitations

Unfamiliarity Voluntary participation Lack of leadership Lack of organization

Making group work effective

Keep groups to 3-6 people Be very clear in giving task instructions to groups Monitor the groups Keep track of time Have a plan for how to manage the group reports to the

large group

What is Role Play?

Role playing has an important place in training as a method of simulating real life situations, from the lives of other people besides the ones who are playing the role in order to understand these situations better. It is an effective way of bringing into the classroom the real life situations which otherwise may not be possible.

Advantages of Role Play

The real situation of field can be dramatized in the classroom situation

Learning becomes attractive Subject becomes easier to the participants In many cases expensive field training can be avoided Communication skills is easily be mastered Personal development is quickened by receiving feedback from

all It helps trainees to work independently It is useful in strengthening the skills of human interaction The trainee can practice and receive expert advice or criticism

and opinion of other colleagues in a ‘protected training situation’

Limitations

All topics can not be taught through this method Expected result can not be achieved, if there is lack

of skill of the trainer in facilitating the role-play session

The trainees may be inactive or too embarrassed It may not have relationship to reality

Concept of Demonstration

In this techniques trainer / demonstrator shows the process of a skill in front of the trainees slowly and perfectly using the relevant materials and aids. Here the role of demonstrator is vital

Advantages

Audio and visual organs work together Helps to memorize the subject Easy to understand the subject Make the subject attractive Taking part in demonstration learners get exposure

with the real job Participants are more convinced because they see

things for themselves It does not sound theoretical but practical It gives an opportunity to the trainees to practice.

Therefore, it gives them confidence

Limitations:

Result can not expected as desired if demonstration is not done perfectly

Learning becomes in effective if chart/material/aides is to small or unclear

Demonstration can not be applied for every topics Desired result can not be achieved in large group The required equipment may not always be available

or may be two sophisticated to be used in real life situation

Case Study

The Case stud is another important technique that should become familiar with and know how to use properly. The case study is an actual presentation, either written or verbal, of an incident that either did or could happen in related area.

Steps in delivering a Case Study

Make a transition from the previous activity Distribute case to participants Provide an opportunity to read the case Briefly overview the case, clarify facts of the case You may give task instructions at this point Divide learners in to small groups to wok on the

task Monitor small group work Manage group report outs and process the

discussion using facilitation skills.

Limitations

Artificiality Time consuming Cost Lack of information Identifiably