Training Delivery Methods: Benefits and Costs

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In order to provide the best possible training courses, it is important to consider your teaching methods. In our modern, technology-filled world, there are so many options. Use this guide to help you choose the right method for you.

Face to Face

Face to face learning is commonly used. We are all familiar with this method from our own school classrooms and workplace training.

This method of teaching tends to be expected, and is the go-to option for most courses. While it has many benefits, face to face teaching has many drawbacks too.

Benefits

The course instructor can adapt according to the learners' needs, leading to better learning outcomes.

Practical skills can be rehearsed with the proper equipment in a controlled environment.

Learners can effectively communicate with each other and the instructor.

Costs

With online methods growing popular, meeting in-person may feel obsolete, unnecessary and outdated.

Learners and instructors are required to travel, making face to face learning more time-consuming than other methods.

Training may need to be rearranged or cancelled according to changing Covid-19 control measures.

Webinars

Webinars, videoconferencing, and other videocall options have risen in popularity over many years. Due to the Covid-19 pandemic, they are now part of our daily lives.

Learning via video calls is widely accepted as second-best, after face to face methods. However, substituting the classroom for Zoom and Teams is not as straightforward as it seems.

Benefits

Learners can communicate with each other and the instructor in the main call, in smaller groups, and via messaging.

The course instructor can adapt according to the learners' needs, leading to better learning outcomes.

Training is not limited by location, so learners can take part in the course from anywhere.

Costs

Technical difficulties are very common and can lead to huge disruptions in learning.

Some people find videocalls draining and struggle to maintain focus in virtual classrooms.

While it is possible to assess practical skills remotely, instructors are limited by vantage point and what the learner chooses to share.

Online Community

Training providers often take advantage of messaging platforms. Learners and instructors can form online communities to discuss their education.

This method of learning can be used alone, for example Facebook Groups of people with common interests, or alongside a course, for example student discussion boards on University websites.

Benefits

Learners can communicate with instructors and other learners, building effective relationships to aid learning.

Busy learners may not need to adapt their schedules in order to complete the course.

With full flexibility, learners can set their own pace and complete the course without the stress of deadlines.

Costs

Collaboration with other learners is possible, but difficult if there is lack of structure.

Instructors must select or create an appropriate platform for communication, taking learners' privacy into account.

Without constant moderation, it is possible learners could quickly under- or over-use the platform, and may go off-topic.

Individual Study

Individual study is often referred to as distance learning. All learners are equipped with resources, such as workbooks. They work through these resources alone. The learner does not interact with other learners or the instructor while completing the course.

Many will immediately see the flaws in this method, however it does come with significant benefits.

Benefits

Instructors can use a range of resource types, including text, diagrams, charts and videos, appealing to a range of learners.

Busy instructors can send out information and then leave learners to process it, freeing up their time.

Some learners may benefit from the lack of disruption and find it easier to focus.

Costs

Instructors may be required to create original learning materials and content.

Without input from an instructor, learners may find themselves distracted, stuck or off-track.

With no means of collaboration, this method is inappropriate for courses that seek to develop communication skills.

Blended

A blended approach takes the best parts of each method to create the perfect course delivery. For example...

  • The instructor and learners meet face to face for an initial lesson, introducing the course.
  • Follow-up lessons can take place via videocall platforms.
  • Learners can communicate with the instructor and each other by messaging between lessons.
  • To limit the number of webinars and videoconferences, learners can complete some learning independently.

Which option is right for you?

Ultimately, the right method will depend on course aims, instructors, learners, and available resources. Consider:

  • Is assessment in a controlled environment necessary?
  • How will learning be monitored?
  • Will learners need to collaborate?
  • Are communication skills important?
  • Does the course teach practical skills?
  • Can you provide enough of the right equipment?
  • Are instructors and learners tech-savvy?

We provide accreditation for courses using any and all of the above methods. Contact us to get started.