"Just wondered if you know what the 'best practice' guidelines are on training? For example, is there anything published on how many learners to each tutor? maximum numbers of days that one tutor should work with a group?
I have been involved in developing a NVQ Level 4/HND Level Management Course, which is currently run in a five-day block with a maximum of 14 learners. Up until now, we have used two trainers throughout but, in an effort to cut costs, it is being suggested that the course run with one tutor! I'm not sure that this is in the best interests of the learners or the tutor! Any advice would be gratefully received."
Thanks, Carolyn
Carolyn Sheppard
4 Responses
Rather you than me !
I wouldn’t deliver a 5 day course to 14 people on my own – the quality of the course is bound to suffer, not least through my own lack of stamina !
A middle way could be to deliver it solo to a reduced number ? Perhaps you could ask those who are asking it of you how enjoyable and useful they would find being in a class of 14 with 1 trainer for a week ?
Good luck !
Not me who’s training, but a colleage
I don’t do training – I posted this query for a colleage, but I agree, 14 in one class is ‘maxing out’. She thinks its a ‘cost saving’ exercise by the client. But may have negative repercussions I’d think.
Trainer days delivery
Carolyn
Firstly, take a look at https://www.trainingzone.co.uk/cgi-bin/item.cgi?id=186422 – there are no set figures. The only answer is: it depends.
And that is true here too. I disagree that doing 5 days solo with a group of 14 is too much. 5 days blocks are increasingly rare but in very particular circumstances still have an important place. Groups of 14 are not large in my book (it is actually quite a nice size for the sorts of things you are doing). And working solo can be tiring, but so can co-tutoring.
In the situation you describe I’d be happy to do the 5 days solo even with a larger group – but only if the design is right, if I have some space immediately afterwards so I don’t burn out, and if I’m not having to do too much work in the evenings too.
If the design requires two trainers (and can’t be easily adjusted in time), if you are new to training or to this particular programme, if quality is suffering, or if there are surrounding pressures that make this too much, then you are right to challenge it.
Graham
Any evidence?
Seems everyone is in agreement, 14 is too many for one person. But is there any published resource or evidence she can use to justify to the client, other than ‘that’s too many’? Thanks