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Determining which Method of Instruction to use
in a training program can sometimes be difficult, because there are many different
instructional methods which may be used in a training environment. Each method has certain
advantages and disadvantages, some are more suited for certain kinds of instruction than
others. Each of the different methods require greater or lesser participation by students.
One method, or perhaps a combination of methods, is usually most appropriate for most
subject matter and objectives.
The common methods of instruction are the instructor-lead, lecturer, demonstrator,
practical exercise, and the self-study, with each of these methods it will have someone
doing something to teach whatever it is you there to learn, only exception is the
self-study independent method.
Based on your subject matter, you will need to determine which instructional method's will
best showcase the information you will be teaching.
Instructor-led method:
This is the most common used method of
instruction, where the instructor becomes the sole disseminator of information. The
Instructor presents information to the student systematically in this method. This
approach is consider the best method to use because the instructor interfaces with the
students by presenting segments of instruction, questions the students frequently, and
provides periodic summaries or logical points of development.
Lecturer method:
The lecture method is also a widely used
method of instruction, with this method the lecture becomes the sole disseminator of
information. Interaction with the students is often limited by the lectures when
presenting segments of instruction, questions the students frequently have only the choice
of listening to what is being presented.
Demonstration method:
The Demonstration method is one where the
student observes the portrayal of a procedure, technique, or operation. The demonstration
method shows how to do something or how something works.
Practical Exercise:
A practical exercise (PE) may take many forms.
Basically, it is a method of training in which the student actively participates, either
individually or as a team member. He or she does this by applying previously learned
knowledge or skills. All students actively participate although they may work at their own
rate. Students may or may not be required to follow a set sequence. The various forms of
the PE are explained in detail below:
Controlled PE:
The controlled PE is a form of PE where the
student is guided, step-by-step through a procedure, technique or operation. It is
characterized by two things: (1) Students participate as a class, (2) they are guided
through a set sequence, and students generally complete each step and are checked by the
instructor prior to continuing to the next step. A mistake is corrected before the student
is allowed to proceed to the next step.
Practice Method:
Students (alone or as part of a team effort )
repeatedly perform previously learned actions, sequences, operations, or procedures.
Case Study or Team Practice:
The student performs as a member of a group to
solve a text book problem with a team solution or practice completing a sequenced task.
Coach and Pupil:
In this method, the student performs
individually while being observed by the coach. The coach's responsibility is to ensure
that the student performs the action or process correctly. When the student then completes
a given task, he assumes the role of the coach and the coach becomes the pupil.
Independent:
The student independently, applies prior
skills or knowledge gained in either an actual or training situation. He practices by
himself although he may ask for instructor advice if necessary.
Remember, as you consider which method or methods of instruction you are going use and
incorporate into your instructional training program. You must pay carefully attention to
developing your objectives and the development of your teaching points. They must be
realistic, logical, and achievable by not only you but the students as well. And attempts
to cut corners here could result in an ineffective training program, in other words a
complete "failure."
During the course we will examine more closely
the advantages and disadvantages of each methods of instruction, and how they can be used
to reinforce your teaching points and reach your objectives effectively.
Yea! I know this stuff was a little boring,
but now you know. Nevertheless, this was tame compared our next topic of lesson plans go there now or go back to
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