As businesses aim for growth and success, equipping their workforce with essential skills becomes crucial. Effective training methods are paramount in this endeavor. Instructor-led training (ILT) has proven to be a reliable approach. This comprehensive guide explores ILT, including its definition, methods, and the wide-ranging benefits it brings to organizations and their employees.
What is Instructor-Led Training (ILT)?
A recent report by Wikipedia says that “Instructor-led training represents 66% of corporate training and development; it reaches 76% in high-performing companies and 80% in high-consequence industries.”
Instructor-led training is a traditional approach where a knowledgeable instructor facilitates learning. Unlike self-paced e-learning modules, ILT offers a dynamic and interactive learning environment.
Here's an explanation of ILT, highlighting its key characteristics:
- Definition: ILT refers to a training method where an instructor leads and facilitates the learning experience for participants
- Instructor Presence: ILT involves direct interaction between the instructor and learners in person or through virtual platforms
- Real-Time Learning: ILT offers live, synchronous training sessions where learners can engage with the instructor and fellow participants in real-time
- Interactive Environment: ILT fosters active participation through discussions, group activities, and hands-on exercises
- Personalized Instruction: Instructors can tailor the training content to meet the specific needs and skill levels of the learners
- Immediate Feedback: Learners receive instant feedback from the instructor, allowing for clarification of concepts and addressing any questions or concerns
- Collaboration Opportunities: ILT allows learners to collaborate, network, and learn from their peers through group activities and discussions
By embracing ILT, organizations can benefit from the expertise of instructors, the interactive learning environment, and the immediate feedback and collaboration opportunities it provides. Whether through traditional classroom-based ILT, virtual sessions, or a blended approach, ILT is a powerful training method that drives engagement, knowledge retention, and skill development.
5 Advantages of Instructor-Led Training
Instructor-led training (ILT) offers numerous advantages for effective learning outcomes and skill development. Organizations can optimize their training programs and empower their workforce by understanding and harnessing these advantages. This section explores the benefits of ILT, including personalized learning experiences, enhanced engagement and collaboration, and immediate feedback and assessment.
1. Personalized Learning Experience
ILT allows instructors to tailor content based on learners' specific needs, ensuring relevance and engagement. Deloitte found that personalized ILT programs yielded 37% higher employee productivity than generic training methods.
Hear out from Momin - Senior Manager , L&D - Global Training at Dover Corporation.
2. Customized Content Delivery
One of the key advantages of instructor-led training is the ability to tailor the content to meet your organization's specific needs. Unlike off-the-shelf training programs, instructor-led training courses allow you to focus on relevant industry trends, emerging technologies, and organizational goals. By addressing the unique requirements of your employees, you can ensure that the training programs align with your business objectives and deliver maximum value.
Hear out from Savan Somayajula - Head of Learning and Development at Ayoconnect.
3. Hands-on Practical Training
Theory alone can only take employees so far. Instructor-led training incorporates hands-on practical training, allowing employees to gain real-world experience. Employees can apply their newly acquired knowledge in a safe and controlled environment using simulations, case studies, and real-world examples. This practical approach reinforces learning and helps develop critical thinking and problem-solving skills essential for workplace success.
4. Enhanced Return on Investment (ROI)
Investing in instructor-led training yields a significant return on investment for organizations. The practical and interactive nature of the training leads to the immediate application of newly acquired knowledge and skills. This approach accelerates skill development, boosts productivity, and contributes to the organization's growth. As a result, organizations create a highly skilled and empowered workforce that drives long-term success by equipping employees with the necessary skills and knowledge.
Hear out from Sumit Ram - Senior, Associate Learning and Development at Razorpay.
5. Boosted Employee Engagement
Investing in employee development through instructor-led training directly impacts employee engagement. The interactive and dynamic nature of ILT captures employees' attention and motivates them to participate in the learning process actively. As a result, organizations demonstrate their commitment to their employees' professional development by providing opportunities for skill enhancement and career growth. In addition, investing in employees' success increases job satisfaction and loyalty and reduces turnover rates.
Research.com shows 9.7% of organizations use an instructor-led classroom approach when training employees.
Hear out from Roopashri - VP of Learning & Development at Broadridge.
Common Methods of Instructor-Led Training
By understanding the common methods of ILT, organizations can choose the most suitable approach that aligns with their training goals and learner needs. This section explores the various methods of ILT, including classroom-based training, virtual instructor-led training (VILT), and blended learning. Each method brings advantages, such as face-to-face interaction, remote accessibility, or a combination of both, providing organizations with the flexibility to deliver impactful training experiences.
Classroom-Based Training
Classroom-based training remains a popular and effective instructor-led training (ILT) method. In this approach, learners attend training sessions in a physical classroom setting. In addition, this method offers face-to-face training with the instructor and fellow participants, creating a dynamic and engaging learning environment.
Learners benefit from immediate feedback, as instructors can address questions, clarify concepts, and provide real-time guidance. Additionally, classroom-based ILT promotes collaboration and networking opportunities as learners engage in group activities, discussions, and knowledge-sharing with their peers.
Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT)
Virtual instructor-led training (VILT) has gained significant traction, especially with the rise of remote work and technological advancements. VILT allows professionals to engage in ILT sessions remotely through online platforms or video conferencing.
This method offers flexibility and accessibility, enabling learners to participate from anywhere, regardless of geographical constraints. VILT leverages interactive features such as chat functions, breakout rooms, and multimedia presentations to enhance engagement and create an interactive learning experience. Learners can still benefit from real-time feedback, as instructors can address questions and provide guidance virtually. Additionally, 69% of Indian IT professionals believe online learning is more effective than offline learning
Blended Learning
Blended learning combines the strengths of ILT and online learning components, creating a comprehensive and flexible training approach. In this method, learners engage in instructor-led sessions and self-paced online modules. As a result, blended learning allows organizations to leverage the benefits of face-to-face interaction and real-time feedback from ILT sessions while offering the convenience and accessibility of online resources.
Let’s hear the advantages from Senior - Manager Learning and Development at Hewlett Packard Enterprise.
Types of Instructor-led Training
Instructor-led training (ILT) encompasses a variety of common formats that facilitate structured learning experiences with the guidance of an instructor. These formats include one-on-one sessions for personalized instruction, small group classes encouraging interaction, workshops for hands-on skill development, seminars for knowledge sharing, and webinars for remote participation.
Each ILT type offers unique advantages in delivering effective training based on specific learning objectives, group size, and technological capabilities. Let us understand each of them in detail now.
One-on-One Training
One-on-One ILT involves personalized instruction where an instructor works directly with an individual learner. This format allows customized learning experiences, tailored feedback, and focused attention on the learner's needs and goals. It is especially effective for addressing individual skill gaps or providing mentorship.
Small Group Class Training
Small group classes in ILT consist of a limited number of learners (typically 5 to 15) who receive instruction from an instructor. This format promotes interaction, collaboration, and discussion among professionals. Small group classes are beneficial for fostering a supportive learning environment, encouraging peer learning, and enabling individualized attention from the instructor.
Workshop
Workshops are interactive ILT sessions that focus on practical skills development. They often involve hands-on activities, group exercises, and problem-solving tasks. Workshops allow learners to apply knowledge in a guided setting, receive immediate feedback, and discuss with the instructor and fellow individuals.
Seminar
Seminars are ILT sessions that typically involve presentations and lectures by subject-matter experts. They are focused on imparting knowledge, sharing insights, and discussing specific topics of interest. Seminars can introduce new concepts, share research findings, or explore trends and developments in a particular field.
Webinar
Webinars are online ILT sessions delivered through web conferencing platforms. They allow participants to join remotely using their computers or mobile devices. Webinars typically combine audio and visual presentations, interactive polls, chat features, and Q&A sessions. They are convenient for reaching a geographically dispersed audience, offering flexibility in participation, and enabling real-time engagement with the instructor.
Best Practices for Implementing Instructor-led Training
Implementing instructor-led training (ILT) effectively requires careful planning and consideration of various factors. Here are some best practices to ensure successful implementation:
- Clearly Define Training Objectives and Learning Outcomes: Clearly articulate the goals and desired outcomes of the ILT program. Align the training content with the learners' and the organization's specific needs and skill gaps.
- Design Interactive and Engaging Training Materials: Create engaging training materials that utilize multimedia elements, hands-on activities, and real-world examples to enhance learner engagement and retention.
- Select Qualified and Experienced Instructors: Choose instructors who possess subject matter expertise, instructional skills, and the ability to effectively engage and connect with learners. Experienced instructors can adapt their teaching style to meet the diverse learning needs of participants.
- Create a Supportive and Inclusive Learning Environment: Foster a positive and inclusive learning environment that encourages active participation, collaboration, and open communication. Create opportunities for learners to share their perspectives, ask questions, and contribute to discussions.
- Incorporate Varied Instructional Strategies: Utilize a mix of instructional strategies such as lectures, case studies, group exercises, role-plays, and simulations to cater to different learning styles and maximize engagement.
- Assess Learner Progress and Provide Feedback: Implement formative assessments, quizzes, and activities throughout the training to gauge learner progress and provide timely feedback. This allows learners to track their development and address any areas of improvement.
- Continuously Evaluate and Improve the Training Program: Regularly evaluate the effectiveness of the ILT program through participant feedback, assessments, and performance indicators. Use this feedback to make necessary improvements and update the training content, materials, and instructional methods.
By adhering to these best practices, organizations can ensure that their ILT programs are well-designed, engaging, and effective in meeting the desired learning outcomes. This approach helps create a positive learning experience, enhances learner satisfaction, and maximizes the return on investment for the organization's training initiatives.
Is Instructor-Led Training Right for You?
When considering the various training options available, it's essential to determine whether instructor-led training is the right choice for your organization's specific needs.
First and foremost, ILT is particularly effective for complex or technical subjects that require detailed explanations, demonstrations, and hands-on practice. Instructors can provide real-time guidance and clarify any doubts or questions that participants may have, ensuring a comprehensive understanding of the material.
ILT allows for immediate feedback, enabling professionals to address misconceptions or errors promptly. This interactive approach promotes active learning and facilitates a deeper comprehension of the subject matter. Therefore, if your training goals involve mastering complex concepts or developing specific skills through practical application, instructor-led training might be your ideal choice.
Conclusion
Instructor-led training remains a cornerstone in achieving organizational success. By leveraging the expertise of trusted partners like Edstellar, organizations can unlock their full potential and stay ahead in today's competitive landscape. Whether through classroom-based training, virtual sessions, or blended learning, ILT provides a personalized, engaging, and effective learning experience. So embrace the power of ILT and witness its transformative impact on your workforce and business outcomes.