Imagine stepping into a buzzing training room, where an experienced instructor skillfully rattles off complex topics with engaging storytelling and interactive demonstrations. Sounds pretty great, right?
Instructor-led training isn’t just about imparting knowledge. It’s about creating a learning environment where questions are encouraged, discussions are deep, and getting real-time feedback happens right away.
Unlike automated e-learning modules, instructor-led training has a more personal touch, incorporating diverse learning styles and adapting to each learner’s pace. It transforms passive information absorption into an engaging experience – and makes information last.
So what is instructor-led training and what are its benefits? Let’s explore.
What Is Instructor-Led Training?
Instructor-led training is any formal training scenario that is led by an instructor or trainer for the purpose of communicating learning concepts (theoretical or practical) to an individual learner or group of learners.
Traditionally, instructor-led training happens in classroom-style environments with the instructor leading the session. These sessions can vary in duration, from thirty-minute presentations to multi-day courses.
ILT Training Materials
ILT sessions come in many different forms and styles depending on the:
- Learning objective of the course
- Learning preference of the audience
- Complexity of the topic
- Practicality level of the skills being learned
Some ILT sessions may consist of one-way communication where the trainer imparts knowledge by delivering a lecture. As technology has developed, most educators and trainers also incorporate visual aids such as slides or Powerpoint presentations.
Rather than speaking to learners directly for the full session, many ILT instructors will also break up sessions with videos, break-out groups to discuss and apply concepts with practical activities, or encourage participation from learners with questions or interactive sections of the training session.
Most trainers agree that this makes for a far more effective learning experience when it comes to ILT.
What is the Difference Between Instructor-Led and Self-Paced Training?
Instructor-led training (ILT) and self-paced training are two distinct approaches to learning, each with its own set of advantages and challenges.
Again, ILT typically involves a structured environment where an instructor guides a group of learners through the material. This method allows for direct interaction and immediate feedback, fostering collaboration and discussion. It’s particularly effective for subjects that benefit from a facilitator’s expertise and real-time clarification of complex concepts.
Conversely, self-paced training offers learners the flexibility to absorb content at their own speed. This approach is often delivered through digital platforms that provide access to a range of materials such as videos, interactive modules, and quizzes.
Self-paced learning accommodates diverse learner schedules and needs, allowing individuals to revisit content as necessary, which can enhance knowledge retention.
However, it requires a high level of self-motivation and time management skills to ensure successful completion of the course.
The Evolution of ILT
As mentioned above, technology has played a big role in how instructors lead these types of training sessions over the years.
Lecture-style sessions, once the norm, involved one-way communication from the instructor to the learners. Visual aids such as slides and PowerPoint presentations were often used to support the material being taught.
While traditional lecture-style sessions remain common in many colleges and universities – especially where large groups limit interactivity – modern ILT incorporates various tools and methods to enhance learning experiences.
Today’s ILT sessions are dynamic, integrating multimedia elements like videos, breakout groups for discussions and practical activities, and interactive segments that encourage learner participation. This combination makes learning more engaging and effective.
Benefits of Instructor-Led Training
So what are the benefits of instructor-led training courses? Let’s review:
- Direct Interaction: One of the primary benefits of ILT is the opportunity for direct interaction between the instructor and learners. This interaction allows for immediate feedback, clarification of doubts, and a more personalized learning experience.
- Structured Learning Environment: ILT provides a structured learning environment, which can be particularly beneficial for complex subjects that require guided instruction and step-by-step explanations.
- Real-Time Feedback: Learners can receive real-time feedback on their performance, enabling them to correct mistakes and reinforce their understanding immediately.
- Networking Opportunities: ILT sessions often bring together individuals from diverse backgrounds, offering networking opportunities that can be valuable for personal and professional growth.
The Rise of Virtual Instructor-Led Training Sessions
Over the last couple of decades, eLearning has emerged as a more viable and cost-effective way of imparting vital learning experiences, particularly in the corporate training sector. But many instructional design experts agree that ILT still has an important role to play in a truly holistic and effective learning experience.
Plus, the advance of technology means that ILT does not always have to be delivered in person.
Many instructors make liberal use of webinars and virtual classrooms to conduct remote ILT sessions.
The global pandemic of 2020 accelerated the adoption of virtual classrooms and webinars, making remote ILT a viable alternative. Instructors now use platforms like Zoom, Microsoft Teams, and Google Meet to deliver training sessions online, allowing for broader reach and flexibility.
If your virtual classroom training needs a revamp, check out this recent webinar recording with virtual training master Kassy LaBorie and her top five tips for delivering effective virtual ILT:
5 Keys for Effective Virtual Classroom Training with Kassy LaBorie
Criticisms of ILT
There are crucial reasons for the recent swing towards eLearning. ILT can present some costly disadvantages and challenges.
Time-Consuming
Creating and delivering quality ILT takes considerable time and effort, requiring instructional design expertise. It also demands significant time from both facilitators and learners, potentially pulling employees away from their daily responsibilities.
Higher Average Cost of Instructor-Led Training
ILT can be costly, involving travel expenses, venue rentals, and materials. Maintaining an in-person training facility adds to these costs, making ILT more expensive than eLearning alternatives.
Perceived as Outdated
With millennials dominating the workforce, traditional ILT is often seen as outdated. Many employees prefer self-paced, online learning over lengthy in-person sessions.
Not Always Practical for On-the-Job Skills
ILT may not be conducive to training for practical, hands-on skills, especially in roles requiring the use of machinery or equipment.
Recent Trends
Despite the perceived disadvantages of instructor-led sessions, there is still an important place for ILT in the world of training. Modern approaches often integrate ILT with online assessments and follow-up learning, creating a blended learning environment. Blended learning combines the best aspects of ILT and eLearning, providing a comprehensive and effective training experience.
Blended learning is particularly popular in educational institutions and corporate training programs. It leverages the strengths of both ILT and eLearning to create a versatile and engaging learning environment.
The benefit of blended learning is that it takes the most important advantages of both ILT and eLearning and combines them to provide as effective a learning environment as possible.
Not only that, but advancements in technology have made it easier to supplement ILT with digital tools. Virtual reality (VR) and augmented reality (AR) are emerging as powerful tools for creating immersive training experiences.
The Future of ILT
Many experts believe that, despite the rise of eLearning there will always be a place for instructor-led training at the L&D table, even in a virtual environment.
ILT provides the opportunity to learn from experienced and effective instructors. It also makes it possible to interact with other learners and achieve a solid understanding of important concepts – all before the practical application begins.
Transform Your Training with Cognota’s LearnOps Approach
Incorporating ILT into a comprehensive learning strategy can significantly enhance your training programs. At Cognota, we understand the power of blending traditional methods with modern technology to create impactful learning experiences.
Our LearnOps approach integrates ILT with cutting-edge tools to streamline your training operations, reduce costs, and boost overall efficiency. We make sure that your training programs are not only effective but also aligned with your organizational goals.
Ready to transform your training strategy? Discover how Cognota can help you achieve a seamless and effective learning environment.
Contact us today to book a demo – and take the first step towards revolutionizing your training programs.
Learn how one organization moved from marathon ILT sessions to effective microlearning modules quickly and efficiently:
Solenis Uses Cognota To Build 1,000+ “Learn It Now” eLearning Modules
