Methods of Training

Introduction

In the recent past, Extension Training Programs have witnessed multi-various changes in the training methodology. The old days’ training methods like lecture are now being replaced with different multi dimensional training methods. With the introduction of modern communication techniques, the extension training has received numerous improvements. Senders (1965) commented that to make a training effective it should be based on the fundamentals that people learn by seeing with their own eyes, hearing with their own ears, saying with their mouths and doing with their own hands.

Training Methodologies

The choice of training methods should be determined by the intended training outcomes and the design of the actual teaching method by awareness of the variety of formats and other available resources. However, there will always be certain constraints on resources, such as trainer availability, accommodation, specific budget allocations, time available for training etc. It is important to remember these three points when deciding on training methods:

Courses should be tailored to specific audiences – always start from the perspective of the actual participants

Participation – rather than passive reception – enhances they value of training for learners as well as the satisfaction gained by trainers

Learners will be more involved in the training if they can see the relevance of the training and the opportunity to apply the training in practice

It is also important to remember that the acquisition of knowledge is different from the acquisition of skills. It is generally accepted that people learn skills

65 % by doing

25 % by seeing

10 % by hearing

whilst on the other hand knowledge is generally acquired

75 % by seeing

15 % by hearing

10 % by doing (i.e. by experience)