What is the Ideal Training Method for a Business?
Leaders who have a Growth Mindset learn new skills by cycling through a learning process called the WELSE cycle of Leadership Development. But what is the best format to train adult learners in a work environment? Based on the four criteria in the chart below, let's compare the different options.
1. Effectiveness: On-site training is usually delivered in large chunks, spanning multiple hours over a period of a few days. Data shows that the adult attention span is only about 20 minutes long before we need a break. In an 8-hour on-site class, student are retaining maybe 60 mins of scattered information and this why on-site training is not very effective. Our limited attention span is also why TED Talks are designed to be only 20-minutes in length. The TED Talk producers realize that people start to mentally check-out after about 20 minutes. As such, video-based learning can provide short videos to deliver on-point content and frame it to be within the human attention span. Additionally, videos can be paused and reviewed multiple times to ensure retention. Video training can be shorter and administered much more frequently. Bite-sized e-learning is the winner for training effectiveness!
2. Affordability: Economies-of-scale make e-learning the hands-down winner when it comes to cost. There is no limit on class-size so the cost of the training material and instructor are broadly spread. A similar concept is how my entire family can listen to endless music and podcasts with a $20/month Spotify subscription. Now compare a Spotify subscription to the $30 cost and limited content of a vinyl record. Digital e-learning wins on value and affordability all month long!
3. Flexibility: On-site training needs to be scheduled and is often incredibly disruptive to a business. It is a real struggle to include off-shift and off-site employees. Meanwhile, e-learning works around the learners’ schedules, not the instructors. E-training can happen at times that work for each individual employee and thus work schedules can remain consistent. You see, because e-learning can occur in small increments, it is easy to fit into every employee's existing schedule. E-learning is a flexible addition to an employee's schedule while other training formats are a complete intrusion to business operations. E-Learning undoubtably wins on flexibility.
4. Collaborative: In-House training has the edge here. Having the instructor on-site is an advantage. Students can ask questions during the class or weeks later and get an immediate answer. With E-learning and consultants, students typically have access to the instructor for questions, but the response time isn't always immediate. In-House training ekes-out a win for collaborativeness.
The digital-age has transformed almost every industry because it offers customers an effective, affordable & flexible on-demand experience. Consider these advantages when working on personal and employee development strategies. Employee development may be a lot easier than you think.
If you are in manufacturing, you will want to checkout Tools for the Trenches!
Stay connected with news and updates!
If you want some weekly T4T wisdom coming straight to your inbox for your reading pleasure - look no further! Join our mailing list to receive the latest blogs and updates.
Don't worry, your information will not be shared.
We hate SPAM. We will never sell your information, for any reason.
