Overview of Training Methods

Training methods are generally categorized into either formal or informal, or on-the job training or off-the-job training.

Training originally was meant to be formal – that meant, it was structured, had a specific and predesigned flow, and everything was in plan. However, with the passing of time, training eventually evolved into the informal type. And today, more and more organizations and companies are already adapting the informal style of training. Informal, that is without a structure, without a detailed plan, and simply spontaneous. Informal training is more focused on the participants. In informal trainings, there are more casual discussions and sharing. The employees or participants share and give information and try to seek solutions to some problems encountered that are related to work. Informal trainings also give opportunities for the employees to talk with each other and resolve any differences they might have that affect their work.

Trainings can also either fall on the on-the-job training category or on the off-the-job training category. On-the-job training is basically all about apprenticeships, formal mentoring programs, job rotation, and understudy assignments. That means, the training is inserted in the work of the employees. Thus, it is really possible that the workplace gets to be disrupted because of this on-the-job training.

On the other hand, off-the-job training methods are those where most companies and organizations invest in. That means off-the-job training methods are more preferred than the on-the-job training approach. Why? This training method may be in the form of live classroom lectures, group activities (e.g. case studies and role plays), video tapes, Internet courses, public seminars, satellite-beamed TV classes, and self-study programs. This method of training is conducted in an atmosphere where learning is maximized and optimized without the possibility of frustrating the real customers. Most of the customers who get irate are dealing with the employees who are under on-the-job training.


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