Instructor-led training is a more traditional, top-down, teacher-oriented approach to learning that occurs in online or offline classroom environments. The approach connects instructors with students to encourage discussion and interaction in a group or individual context, with many enjoying ILT over other methods as they can seek direct clarification on a topic from the source. Instructor-led training (ILT), therefore, encompasses any form of training provided by an instructor in an online or offline classroom setting.
Understanding instructor-led training
For companies, instructor-led training is also used to train employees on complex topics that require interactive, hands-on experience.
Most favor instructor-led training because of its effectiveness in increasing knowledge retention among employees.
Relatively recent data on ILT shows that the method comprises 66% of all corporate training and development.
This figure rises to 80% in high-stakes industries such as healthcare, finance, and utilities.
Three types of instructor-led training
There are three general types of instructor-led training available today. These include:
Location-dependent
Or any form of training provided in a physical environment such as an office, workplace, training center, workshop, classroom, or in the field.
Virtual
This describes instructor-led training that is provided in a real-time, virtual environment.
Virtual training occurs on video conferencing platforms such as Zoom and has increased in popularity due to the coronavirus pandemic.
Blended
A hybrid approach of location-dependent and virtual training that caters to a broader mix of learning styles and facilitates more collaboration and discussion.
Education may occur via live webinars, podcasts, videos, quizzes, and in-field or practical exercises that supplement theory-based content.
Advantages of instructor-led training
Open dialogue
As hinted at earlier, two-way communication between the instructor and student is a hallmark of instructor-led training.
This allows the instructor to leverage student queries and ensure they understand the information presented.
There is also value in face-to-face interaction and the ability for both parties to read the facial expressions and body language of the other.
Less distraction
While remote learning is now extremely popular, it cannot compete with instructor-led training in terms of a distraction-free environment.
In a classroom setting where the student is under direct supervision and has often paid to be there, there is a reduced likelihood they’ll be distracted by social media or other temptations.
Disadvantages of instructor-led training
Cost
For companies who sell or utilise instructor-led training, the costs can be significant.
Expenses include instructor fees, venue rental, travel expenses, training materials, and instructor-specific refresher courses.
Reduced productivity
Unlike some forms of virtual training that employees can do in their own time, instructor-led training is normally conducted in business hours and can take several days to complete.
For the business, this means reduced productivity as employees undertake the training.
Key takeaways
- Instructor-led training (ILT) encompasses any form of training provided by an instructor in an online or offline classroom setting.
- There are three types of instructor-led training: location-dependent, virtual, and blended, which caters to a more diverse range of learning styles and situations.
- Instructor-led training increases knowledge retention as instructors can adapt their teaching style based on student queries and body language. There are also fewer distractions in a formal classroom setting. However, ILT tends to be costlier for companies, and productivity is reduced when employees are requisitioned for learning.
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