What type of Training System Should I use?

Training Systems and Principles

Of course not everybody learns the same way. Some learn better through lecture and others can only learn something through hands on experiences. So, how do we choose the best way to train someone for their job? There are many aspects to consider.

The first thing to do is develop a needs assessment and consider each individual. Okay, so now that you have considered the individual needs of each person, you need to think about the learning principles; Participation, Transference, Repetition, Relevance and Feedback. 

Participation: Involving the employee to participate in the activity or task that they are required to do. 

Repetition: Have the employee try something numerous times to make sure they fully understand. Repetition is a great way to memorize something so that it won't be forgotten.

Transference: Make sure that what the employee is being taught is easily transferable to the job they will be doing. 

Relevance: Employees should obviously be trained and taught something relevant to the job.

Feedback: Always give feedback! And always ask for feedback. 

Now that the learning principles have been laid out. It is time to choose what training technique to use. On the job training consists of Job Rotation, Apprenticeships and Coaching. Depending on the position or job, off the job training may work better. Off the job training includes Lectures, Role-play, Simulations and Computer based activities. 

Find what works best for the specific employees that are being trained. Ask questions and make sure you understand their needs and how they learn best.

(Schwind, H., Das, H., & Wager, T., Fassina, N., & Bulmash, J. (2013) Canadian Human Resources Management, 10th Edition)