4 Popular Training Delivery Methods (and where to use them)

How we deliver training has evolved, which has been accelerated in the last few years since the Covid pandemic and advancements in technology. The worldwide eLearning market is expected to be worth $325 billion by 2025, highlighting the importance of developing and maintaining robust and successful training programs. But what is the best training delivery method to use for your program?

While more companies recognise the benefits of providing a training program to their teams, it is important to acknowledge and evaluate the different methods available.

We’ve written this blog to explore what methods of training delivery are available, the benefits of each one and where they are best used.

What Training Delivery Methods Are Available?

Different types of learning delivery offer various pros and cons. Here is a run-down of the methods available to help you match your training to your needs.

1. Online learning, eLearning, and interactive guides

eLearning is one of the most modern learning methods where learners log in to an online platform or Learning Management System (LMS) to undertake a comprehensive training course. Interactive learning guides also fall under eLearning.

It is a great method for time-critical businesses that cannot spare whole teams to be away from the office, particularly on a long-term basis or for regular learning.

Pros:

• Easily accessible – just need a device and an internet connection.
• Time friendly – learners access the resources at a time suitable for them and do not need to travel to a classroom, meaning they learn at a pace that suits them.
• Progress and completion can be easily tracked through the LMS.
• Very cost-effective.

Cons:

• Lessened social interactions.
• Initial outlay can often be seen as too much.
• Requires expertise and digital infrastructure to create course content.
• Very cost-effective.

2. Instructor-led training

Instructor-led training is the most traditional method of training delivery, taking place face-to-face in classrooms. The instant feedback and opportunity for discussions make it a good option for technical subjects or concepts that benefit from in-person, hands-on explanations.

Pros:

• For small groups, each student receives a large amount of 1-2-1 support from their trainer.
• Course leaders can adapt the course pace based on the understanding levels of the learner group.
• Real-time feedback can be given alongside answering questions at the time of asking and the opportunity for further discussion and collaboration with fellow learners.

Cons:

• Not easily scalable and has fewer benefits for larger, dispersed groups.
• Effectiveness is dependent on the quality of the instructor.
• Time-specific – teaching happens at specific times when all learners must be available for and away from their work.
• Costs and expenses – when you need to consider venue hire, travel expenses and hospitality, it can quickly make this method of training delivery expensive, and these costs are individual so can’t be spread across the entire program.

3. Virtual classrooms

Virtual classrooms are a type of instructor-led training that takes place via online meetings, meaning the instructor and learners can be in different locations and time zones. Due to their increased flexibility, many traditional courses have shifted to virtual classrooms, especially during the Covid pandemic.

Pros:

• The benefits of instructor-led training delivery, but more accessible to a wider audience, as lessons are not limited by location.
• Saves time for learners as they can learn at home or in the office.

Cons:

• Virtual classrooms are not as engaging as physical classrooms, making it much more difficult to have open discussions.
• Learners still must be available at specific times to access learning.

4. Blended learning

Blended learning is a training delivery method that combines eLearning with traditional classroom training. Classroom sessions act as an introduction to a subject, which is then supplemented with online resources. While it can be seen as a best-of-both-worlds scenario, it also requires a lot of resources to create both sets of learning materials. 

Pros:

• Ensures learners with different learning styles are all catered for.
• Immediate feedback from classroom work sets a clear understanding which is then reinforced.

Cons:

• Resource intensive and needs to be thoroughly planned.
• Still requires students to attend time-specific classroom sessions.

Selecting the Best Training Delivery Method for Your Business

With multiple options to choose from, it is important to select the best learning delivery method for your training program objectives. If the wrong method is chosen, knowledge gaps will remain in your workforce and skill retention will deteriorate over time.

To pick the best method, consider the below questions:

• What are the goals of the training program?
• Will the course material benefit from being instructed in person?
• Who are the learners?
• Are they a team working in the same office or spread out globally?
• Do they have availability in their schedules for long sessions? How many are there?
• What expertise and resources need to be created for the program?
• Will external providers need to be brought in to support the program?
• What is the budget and in what timeframe does the program need to be completed?
• Is there time to produce engaging videos and gamified content?

No matter the method chosen, training should be a priority for businesses. A training program can be made up of combining different methods, and where appropriate, a mixed approach should be adopted.

Training equips internal and external teams with the tools to perform their roles to the best of their ability. Those who receive training will feel supported and will become engaged champions of the business. Training is also a great way to collect feedback and evaluate success across areas of the business, providing valuable insight into changes that need to be made. For more information, you can read our recent blog on the benefits of delivering a training program through a managed learning service provider. 

When it comes to training delivery, there is certainly no one-size-fits-all. Every business has different requirements, and every learner has different needs. Often, a mix of learning types and methods across a wider program is the best solution to ensure all bases are covered and that learners remain engaged.

If you are interested in learning more about how managed learning services could benefit your company, contact us today.