METHODS OF TRAINING

Introduction

—  Choice of training methods is generally influenced by

the these factors:
¡  Objectives of a training programme
¡  Time available
¡  Cost involved
¡  Participant’s level of understanding and previous experience
¡  Size of group
¡  Facilities available
 Training Methods

—  COGNITIVE METHODS

—  BEHAVIORAL METHODS

 COGNITIVE METHODS

q Cognitive methods are more of giving theoretical training to

the trainees.
q The various methods under Cognitive approach provide the
rules for how to do something, written or verbal
information, demonstrate relationships among concepts,
etc.
q FOCUSES- changes in knowledge and attitude by
learning.
 Methods of Cognitive approach

—  Lectures

—  Demonstrations

—  Discussions

—  Computer Based Training (CBT)

 Lectures

—  It is a formal verbal presentation of

information to the trainees by
expert company executives or
professional lecturers
—  Lecture is given to enhance the
knowledge of listener or to give him
the theoretical aspect of a topic
—  It is difficult to imagine training
without lecture format.
—  There are some variations in
Lecture method.
—  The variation here means that some
forms of lectures are interactive
while some are not.
—  Main features of Lecture
¡  Less expensive

¡  Can be reached large number of people at once

¡  Knowledge building exercise

¡  Less effective

 Demonstration

—  This method is a visual

display of how something
works or how to do
something.
—  Essential while introducing
new products or new selling
techniques
—  Helps the focusing their
attention on critical aspects
of the task
—  Accompanied by the
discussion or lecture to make
it more effective
 Discussion method
—  Discussion method is a two-way flow of communication, i.e.
¡  knowledge in the form of lecture is communicated to trainees

¡  Then understanding is conveyed back by trainees to trainer.

—  In panel discussion, leader presents the sales problem, calls

upon each member to comment, then closes the discussion
and summarises the views of the panel.
 Computer Based Training

—  CBT is an alternative to classroom based training.

—  Providing training to employees through Intranet or
Internet.
—  CBT does not require face-to-face interaction with a
human trainer.
—  Benefits of CBT
¡  Reduces the cost of training

¡  Allows the trainee to master trainee

¡  Affords privacy of learning

¡  Increases access to training

¡  Reduces trainee learning time

 BEHAVIORAL METHODS

—  Behavioral methods are more of giving practical

training to the trainees
—  These methods are best used for skill development.
 Methods of Behavioural approach

Games and Simulations

—  Game is defined as spirited activity or exercise in
which trainees compete with each other according
to the defined set of rules.
—  Simulation is creating computer versions of real-
life games.
¡  It
is about imitating or making judgment or opining how
events might occur in a real situation.
 Methods of Games and Simulation:

¡ Behavior Modeling
¡ Business Games
¡ Case Studies
¡ In-basket technique
¡ Role Plays
 Behavior Modeling

—  In this method, some kind of process or behavior is

videotaped and then is watched by the trainees.
—  The trainees first observe the behavior modeled in
the video and then reproduces the behavior on the
job.
 Business Games

—  These are based on the set of rules, procedures, plans,

relationships and principles.
—  In the Business Games, trainees are given some
information that describes a particular situation and are
then asked to make decisions that will best suit in the
favour of the company.
—  And then the system provides the feedback about the
impact of their decisions.
—  Again, on the basis of the feedback, they are asked to
make the decisions again.
—  This process continues until some meaningful results do
not come out.
 Case Studies

—  The trainee is given with

some written material, and
the some complex
situations of a real or
imaginary organization.
—  The trainee then makes
certain judgement about
the case by identifying and
giving possible solutions to
the problem.
 In-Basket Techniques

—  Also known as In-tray method

—  The trainee is presented with a pack of papers and
files in a tray containing administrative problems
and is asked to take decisions on these within a
stipulated time.
—  The decisions taken by the trainees are compared
with one another.
—  The trainees are provided feedback on their
performance.
 Role Play

—  Role play is a simulation in which

each participant is given a role to
play.
—  Information is given to trainees
related to:
¡  description of the role
¡  concerns
¡  objectives
¡  responsibilities etc.
—  Some real life situations are presented
before them and they are asked to act
out the way in which the
circumstances might reach an
appropriate conclusion through the
play.