Figuring out which programs to offer employees used to be fairly cut and dried. Most corporate training was delivered the old-fashioned way: through instructor-led, classroom training. Today, more than ever, learning is a highly individual process.
With in-house classroom training, the traditional and most familiar form of training, employees gather in a classroom and are led through the program by an instructor. These sessions occur on- or off-site and can be facilitated by trainers who are either employees themselves or outside specialists.
Most companies have moved away from lecture-style sessions. Best practices for classroom training now include
Using simulations and a hands-on approach that offer participants practical experience and practice
Providing individuals with interactive exercises designed to better prepare them for their work when they return from the class
The main advantage to classroom training is that it provides ample opportunities for group interaction and social learning and gives instructors a chance to motivate the group and address the individual needs of students. Maximize the time in class together by building in as many hands-on exercises as possible. Consider providing background information or requiring prereading before the class meets so everyone is adequately prepared for the session.
In-house classroom training requires considerable administrative support (coordinating schedules, reserving training space, and so on). Also, in most cases, for larger companies with far-flung offices, this form of training can entail major expense (travel and lodging, for example), which isn’t directly connected to the learning experience. A method that may circumvent this problem is to use videoconferencing to connect remote learners to the in-house training session.