Which Training Format Is Better: Instructor–Led Classroom or Independent Online?

Although technology-based training is becoming increasingly popular, training experts agree that it will never completely replace classroom training. At present, an overwhelming number of companies continue to use classroom training alongside an increasing amount of technology-based training, such as e-learning and computer-based training. Today, there is an array of techniques, methods, activities, and training aids available to create and present memorable, meaningful, and successful classroom training sessions.
Let’s look at the traditional training format of classroom or instructor-led training. Even with the many technological advances in the training industry, traditional formats remain viable and effective. There are many types, including:

• Blackboard or whiteboard. This may be the most “old-fashioned” method, but it can still be effective, especially if you invite trainees to write on the board or ask for feedback that you write on the board.
• Video. Lectures can be broken up with video portions that explain sections of the training topic or that present case studies for discussion.
• PowerPoint® presentation. Presentation software is used to create customized group training sessions that are led by an instructor. Training materials are provided on CD, DVD, or online (see Webinars below) and displayed on a large screen for any number of trainees. Employees can also use the programs individually, which allows for easy makeup sessions for employees who miss the group session. This method is one of the most popular lecture methods and can be combined with handouts and other interactive methods.
• Storytelling. Stories can be used as examples of right and wrong ways to perform skills with the outcome of each way described. This method is most effective with debriefing questions, such as:
  —How does this story relate to training?
  —How did the main character’s choices make you feel?
  —What assumptions did you make throughout the story? Were they correct?
  —What would you have done differently?
  This technique makes communication easier since it is nonthreatening, with no one right answer. It is cost-effective, especially if trainers have their own stories to tell. Stories can also make sessions more personal if they involve people trainees know. Maintain confidentiality as appropriate. You can also find many training stories online.
• Webinars. With advances in technology and software, it has become increasingly easy and affordable to lead a training session remotely. PowerPoint presentations can be broadcast to many different computers simultaneously while the instructor speaks on the content. Live interaction with the instructor is usually possible as well.

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Like all other forms of training, classroom training has its advantages and disadvantages.
Advantages of classroom training
The advantages of classroom training include:

• It allows you to teach employees in a safe, quiet, clean environment away from the noise and pressures of the work area.
• Training groups can be large or small.
• The classroom environment provides the important “human touch,” which is often missing in technology-based training.
• Group interaction enhances learning. Employees learn from one another as well as from the trainer.
• The group setting also teaches employees how to interact with one another in a professional, productive, cooperative way, which is something that other forms of training often don’t provide.

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Disadvantages of classroom training
However, there are also disadvantages to classroom training:

1. You have to pull employees off the job, which cuts into work time and production schedules.
2. If you run shifts, it’s often hard to schedule this kind of training, especially for night shift workers.
3. While the classroom environment is quiet, safe, and conducive to focused learning, it’s also removed from the equipment, processes, and materials that employees actually use on the job. Lack of hands-on experience is frequently an obstacle to adult learning.
4. Sometimes it is not interactive.
5. Too much of the success of the training depends on the effectiveness of the lecturer.
6. Scheduling classroom sessions for large numbers of trainees can be difficult—especially when trainees are at multiple locations.
7. Preparation time for classroom-based training can be as much as 40 hours for 1 hour of training time.

 
These potential problems can all be overcome. Train the trainer on public speaking skills, for example, or use remote technology to schedule training for workers at several locations. In fact, you’ll see as we move forward that the solution to many of the potential disadvantages of specific training methods is to blend your training techniques to use several different methods.
Some of the information in today’s Advisor is adapted from BLR’s PowerPoint presentation “Training Strategies II: State-of-the-Art Classroom Training.” For more information on all the training courses BLR has to offer, go to our Employee and Manager Training page.
In tomorrow’s Advisor, we’ll look in-depth at online or e-learning as an effective training technique.