TRAINING METHODS & TECHNIQUES

Role playing Business games In basket techniques Laboratory training Programmed instruction Case studies Seminars GD Lecture Brainstorming Mind mapping

Role playing
Trainees act out characters assigned to them.

Information regarding the situation is provided to the trainees. Outcomes depend on the emotional (and subjective) reactions of the other trainees. The more meaningful the exercise, the higher the level of participant focus and intensity.

Types of role play Simple role play (the group performs before an audience who evaluate the exercise). Multiple role play (group is divided into various sub groups which play the roles simultaneously working on same situation).

Reverse role play (used when 2 participants have reached an intractable situation in their discussion ,they are asked to change roles).

 Spontaneous role play (during a lecture or before it , to demonstrate a particular situation) Some guidelines Identify the problem Develop structure for role play Assign roles to the participants Develop material for exercise Setting the scene Setting rules Role briefs Observers sheet Making physical arrangements for exerxise

BUSINESS GAMES
These are the types of simulators that try to present the way an industry , org functions. The trainees are given some information that describes a particular situation and then they are asked to make decisions that will best suit in the favour of the company. And then the system provides the feedback about the impact of their decisions. On basis of feedback they are asked to make decisions again.

IN BASKET TECHNIQUE
Trainees are given some info about the role to be played like description , responsibilities.

Trainee is given a log of materials that make up the in basket and asked to respond to materials within a particular time period.
After all the trainees complete the in basket , a discussion with the trainer takes place. Now the trainee describes the justification for the decisions.

This technique focuses on -

LABORATORY TRAINING
To achieve proper result the group is isolated from its normal routine. no of participants 12 to 15 Using resources of others and acting like a resource for others. Changes through this are more permanent.

Factors affecting Lab Training:

The here & now focus (immediate experience) The there & then focus (focus on situation away from lab where the trainee are likely to work) Focus on self as change agent.

Conditions for lab training

Willingness to be a part of lab. Honest approach Feedback. Conducive envt. Changes that have potential for application Participants ability to learn from experience

Programmed Instruction
It involves the self pace learning. It includes only the trainee and the system. No physical trainer is involved. It consists of branches that moves the trainee to different levels of training depending upon their answers or response to the query generated by system. Correct answer takes the trainee one level up but incorrect answer brings him back to the previous level.

CASE STUDIES
Its the description of real life experience which are used to make points or raise issues. It includes Setting the scene Details of the org Description of the players Outline of the problem Any additional info necessary to understand the scenario. Resource available.

Objectives of case study: In depth discussion Used in decision making and problem solving. Helps in deriving principles regarding working in the field. Guidelines for using the method: First identify the objective. It should be based on genuine data and situations You should know the actual outcome in order to compare the participants findings.

SEMINARS
Its a conference of a smaller size but greater degree of participation from the members is incorporated. Centered around a single theme. Size of the seminar group should be optimum. Advantages Provides learning through sharing. Experts guides the discussion .

Disadvantages Boring Some members play passive role Members do no come prepared How to make it effective Provide handouts Make the objective very clear. Skilled trainer, quality presentation

GROUP DISCUSSION
Its the structured but informal exchange of information , ideas ,knowledge and perceptions among the participants on any topic or issue Objectives: Generate wide range of solutions Broaden the outlook of the participants Develop their interpersonal comm. Helps in changing attitude through influence of peers in the group.

Limitation of method: If group is large all the members do not get the opportunity to participate If the task is no clearly defined , the discussion may lack focus Difficulties can arise if leader is unskilled in guiding the discussion Some members may dominate the discussion Some members may not participate.

LECTURE
The oldest method of training. Words are spoken by the trainer. One way communication. When to use : When participants are huge in no. When participants are required only to listen carefully and clear their doubts .

Why not to use : It is assumed that the participants can by themselves ,through reading , bridge the gap between the contents of lecture and their realities at work. Passive comm. that does not allow 2 - way comm. Develops a sense of interdependence on the trainer.

Enhancing usefulness of lecture : The trainer should have the required knowledge and skills. Trainer should not feel inhibited to use visual aids to highlight a point. Handout can be provided 20-30 minutes may be the maximum time that a lecture can hold attention of the participants.

BRAIN STORMING
Ideas , solutions are proposed and evaluation are suspended until the time this step is completed and the group is ready to move on to the next step.

Its based on the assumption that its not good to shoot down an idea without proper consideration of its merit and demerits in an unbiased manner.

Objectives :
Generating a wide range of ideas. Developing positive attitude among the participants by encouraging them to participate. Encouraging shy and reluctant participants to share their ides and views without any fear.

Steps in organizing brainstorming session: Generation of ideas Amending ideas Posting all ideas on a chart. Analyzing ideas Action planning

MIND MAPPING
Its the technique of visually arranging ideas and their interconnections It can be used to graphically arrange the linkages of some central concepts with other concepts into memorable treelike diagrams. Uses : To organize , filter the thoughts that are collected To structure the information

Advantages : Simplicity One idea has many links Visual easy to remember Helps to see big picture & relationship b/w issues.

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