In today’s working environment, we have access to more ways to train and develop people than ever before. Unlimited learning opportunities are available to us in the form of E-learning, mobile learning, social media and virtual training. So why bother with the traditional classroom style training sessions delivered by training companies? Aren’t public training courses just a time consuming, antiquated and costly method of training? We don’t believe so.
We believe that every method of learning has its own merits and used for the right thing with the right people at the right time, any type of learning intervention is likely to produce results. However, in our ever increasing virtual world there seems to be a need for real interaction. Classroom sessions provide this in the form of a real person who can deliver information in an interesting way. A trainer is also a subject expert who can answer concerns and questions right away and, as a specialist, can share the benefit of their years of experience.
The need for this human interaction is only set to increase with more people spending so much time isolated by working on their computers with little people contact. People not only generally learn better from other people, but they retain this information for longer. Just think about the last time you read a fascinating article, blog etc about a subject that really interested you. Can you remember three key learning points from the article? Whether you are able to or not, the point is this, people retain information much better when they have an emotional reaction to it. That’s why great trainer’s are so highly valued because they are skilled at delivering information in a way that excites, inspires, motivates and engages their audiences.
Still not convinced about the value of classroom training? Take a look at our top ten reasons why classroom learning works:-
1) Subject matter experts are on hand to give on the spot practical help and answer questions
2) Opportunities to tackle subjects and questions outside the standard remit of the course
3) Immediate help and support with correcting mistakes and getting it right
4) Networking with other learners, sharing experiences and social interaction
5) Real, practical and hands on use of the tools and techniques
6) Expert trainers who make the learning experience engaging, interesting and enjoyable
7) Learning can be instantly adapted to suit the needs of the delegates
8) Quiet, dedicated time out of the office to really focus on your needs
9) Multi sensory experience that appeals to more of your multiple intelligences
10) Valuable feedback from the trainer and others in the group
As the reasons above indicate, classroom sessions are still an important element of any effective development programme. They enhance learning by the inclusion of the human interaction that is inherent in all classroom based training courses. Combined with the many other training methods available today, they make a huge contribution to the improvement of people’s performance and productivity.
3 Responses
Good points
Whilst humans learn in different ways then great classroom training will always be needed.
We just need to make sure its effective, aimed at the right level and encourages collaborative learning!
— Blake Henegan
Optimus Sourcing http://www.optimussoucing.com
classroom learning
I fully agree with the points made about classroom learning – I deliver management training courses and regularly see delegates again who report that they:
Took learning away and implemented ideas
Made changes and actually provided evidence
Learned and developed a lot from their traing course experience
All the scare mongering about tradionial training been a thing of the past is most definately NOT a reality that I or my delegates recognise.
Gilli Bruce M.C.I.P.D.
Why classroom learning works
Some excellent points are made in this article. I deliver train the trainer programmes, which involve lots of practical work, where the learners get to practice the skills of training in a safe and supportive environment. They benefiit hugely from gettiing detailed individual feedback on their performances, not just from myself but from fellow learners as well. I see the positive effects of this human interaction and support on a regular basis, and find it really motivates them and gives them confidence and belief in themselves and their abiilities. I get regular feedback not only at the end of a course, but often months and sometimes years later, where a person will remember a course and the emotional impact it had on them in terms of their own motivation, self-belief and confidence.
Not only am I able to demonstrate my training skills and be a role model for the group, but I can also share my knowledge and experience in a classroom situation. They also get to network with other learners and share their experiences, not only during the progamme but at breaks and lunchtimes too. People learn in lots of different ways, and in a clasroom setting a trainer can quickly adapt their style to suit the needs of the group, adjusting the pace and level as necessary. I am able to answer questions immediately and there are always opportunities to discuss topics outside of the immediate remit of the course.
I believe every method of learning has its own benefits, and that classroom learning still has a great deal to contribute, especially in terms of the human interaction, support and emotional impact, that often leads to long term retention of the information.