Things to Consider Before Employing Instructional Methods and Strategies

23rd April 2020

As a trainer or designer, you must consider an array of factors before you plan and design a training session and what to include in training and learning activities.

Here's what you should think about:

Methods – Objectives Alignment

Instructional methods must align with the objectives of the training. For example, psychomotor skills (e.g. typing) cannot be learned through the lecture method, without hands-on practice. Lecture is effective, if the objectives are more knowledge based. Therefore, different methods have different capabilities.

Learner Expectations

Learners participate in training sessions expecting a lot of hands-on activities. As a trainer you have to make sure that expectations are met but sometimes you will get learners who are reluctant to participate in activities or spend very little time in training. They want to learn quickly and without entertainment. Games, icebreakers, etc, often do not interest them. Therefore, knowing the learner’s expectations is important.

Organizational Expectations

Organization expectations also remain high about how training will be conducted. For example, if you are an external trainer then you need to discuss your plans and do a proper needs analysis beforehand with the people concerned as not doing that might lead to dissatisfaction.

Trainer Comfort Zone

Every trainer has a comfort zone. So, before the training begins that is at the planning stage you must list the techniques you are going to implement in your session. You must adhere to those techniques which are comfortable for you otherwise that may dampen the atmosphere of the training session and your learners can easily sniff out your discomfort.

The 21st century instructional approaches are flexible enough to integrate the general learning needs, abilities, interests and strengths of the learners. These aspects are crucial as after putting a checkmark on the above-mentioned checklist of implementing a thriving instructional strategy, a 21st century training and development practice will be an effective one.

Written By : Dr Sanjib Neil Chakraborty