subject: Is Classroom Training a Viable Learning Option Today? [print this page] Is Classroom Training a Viable Learning Option Today?
Absolutely is classroom training a viable learning option today. Yes, in the past years we have seen a downturn in the number of students attending traditional instructor-led courses. This has been mainly due to cost and time constraints imposed by this training method on those attending the courses. Computer based training options such as CD Training and web based training has seen a significant rise but mostly in the technical and desktop training areas.
Classroom Training is still the primary training option selected for leadership, management, project management, specialised IT courses and health and safety training. There is nothing like actual hands-on experience in these particular subject areas, for instance you can only know how to administer first aid if you have actually done it before and have not been trying to follow a diagram in a book!
Obviously the self study training solutions are great for revision or to look up certain areas already covered on an instructor-led course but they cannot provide the real-life experience of learning directly from an instructor or through exercises involving other students. Management training courses involve a lot of practical exercises and physical tasks for developing leadership and team building skills. These skills cannot be learnt through watching a video and therefore require participation and interaction by the delegates. So, for these types of training courses, the classroom training option is the ideal choice by companies and individuals alike.
In addition, students are also using books and reference materials such as e-books and study guides. Though these study materials are really meant to complement the instructor-led course that the student has attended and are not their primary learning resource utilised. You can choose from a great variety of books, study guides, reference guides and practice exams and test papers.
Though in general, classroom training is more expensive than other study options, it is always selected by companies for the specific subject areas I listed earlier for the wealth of knowledge and actual practical experience gained by the students attending the training courses. You just cannot achieve this using other training solutions.
Due to the current financial climate, classroom training companies are offering great training deals to potential clients, so make sure you negotiate well and get the most out of your training budget.
