Online and alternative types of training have been booming in recent years yet traditional instructor-led training has dominated the way that we learn for decades. There is a huge debate over the merits and differences of both and we will seek to untangle some of that by outlining the core tenants of Instructor-led training.
This CPD article provides a brief overview of what is meant by instructor-led training, advantages and disadvantages of instructor-led training, as well as outline the difference between in-person and online training. It will also explain ways on how do you develop instructor-led training, including some simple examples.
What is meant by instructor-led training (ILT)?
Instructor-led training (ILT) is one of the most traditional ways to teach. Instructor-led training is when a trainer directly facilitates a learning activity for a group of individuals. While ILT can be conducted in person or online, the most important aspect is that the learners have real-time access to the instructor for feedback and discussion.
Advantages and Disadvantages of instructor-led training
To know what is right for your learning style and the best use of your time, it is important to know a few of the advantages and disadvantages of instructor-led training.
Advantages:
- Open Dialogue – Learners have access to their instructors for immediate feedback. There’s value in having instructors and students face-to-face to read facial expressions and body language. Also instructors are able to take learner questions to ensure they are retaining information.
- Adaptability – When the instructor can see and evaluate their learners in real-time, they have the opportunity to adapt their curriculum accordingly. If they have a more advanced group of students, they can move faster; if their learners need more time on a subject, they can review the content.
- Building a Network – By providing an environment for a group of people to learn together, you give them the opportunity to interact, build relationships, and grow as a team.
- Distraction-Free Environment – When your learners are distracted, their retention rate decreases. By having a dedicated education area, they are not tempted to check their email, scroll through social media, or work on something else.
- Engaging and Interactive – When your learners are sitting in their training, they can be engaged with hands-on activities, open dialogue, and interactions with the instructor and other learners.
Disadvantages:
- Expenses – There are recurring expenses tied to instructor-led training such as venue rental, instructor fee, travel expenses, cutting into employee productivity, training materials, food, and drink, etc.
- Time Away From Work – Virtual learning tools allow learners to work around their schedule, but instructor-led training requires workers to book time off and be away from the office and their normal duties.
- Fewer Learners at a Time – Instructor-led training courses tend to be facilitated in small groups; this means that instructors are able to train fewer students at a time; virtual training, such as eLearning, can be used for large groups simultaneously.
How do you develop instructor-led training?
It can often be a challenge to create an instructor-led training program as there are many details that need to be considered, and it can be easy to overlook important points. Here are 4 easy tips to help you get started:
1. Create an Outline of Objectives
- Define what the group needs to learn, also provide specific metrics be tested for during training.
2. Insure Relevancy
- Define why the information is relevant to your audience, why they need the information and what they'll gain from learning it.
3. Design and Develop the Learning Experience
- Consider how you'll put variety into the training to keep attendees engaged. There are a lot of details to consider as you set about designing the learning experience. Number of presenters? Do they have enough expertise to cover all of the topics? What are the most critical skills that the group will need to learn? How to evaluate that the group has learned these skills successfully? What media or visual aids will be in use? How will trainees practice and use this new information? Is the room or venue set up for group learning?
4. Create a Plan
- The overall purpose and objectives of the session.
- Session preparation.
- Materials and resources required (handouts, visual aids, textbooks, and so on).
- Equipment required. How you'll evaluate trainees' learning.
