Page 128 - DMGT518_TRAINING_AND_DEVELOPMENT_SYSTEM

Unit 8: Training Methods

Advantages of the Lecture Method Notes

The primary advantage of the lecture method is that it is an efficient way to transmit a large
amount of information to learners in a short time. Since the purpose of some training programmes
is to raise awareness or supply information, lecture can be an appropriate way to do that.
Drawbacks

It does not encourage learner’s involvement. As a consequence, learners may grow bored and
distracted as they listen to it. Nor does the lecture method adequately tap into the vast experience
residing in the group.

Strategies for Using the Lecture Method

You can use several strategies to improve the delivery of lecture. One is to combine it with other
training methods. When training involves lecture with other methods such as case studies or
group discussions, learner involvement improves and retention is higher. When you use questions
during lecture, it becomes more interactive and in a way can transform into a large discussion.
Another way to improve traditional lectures is to reduce how much time you spend on them.
A fifteen-to twenty-minute mini-lecture may be an ideal target time because it corresponds to
the rule of thumb mentioned earlier.

A final way to improve the traditional lecture method is to use lively presentation methods so
that it does not become dull. Use humour, stories, and non-verbal behaviours and other
presentation skills during lecture delivery to energize the topic, capture attention, and galvanize
learner interest. That should improve the overall effectiveness and impact of the lecture.

BUZZ Session

The most common form of presentation, the lecture, can be very effective in presenting factual
material in a direct and logical manner, or to present one point of view on a controversial
subject. It has the disadvantage, however, of possible one-sidedness, audience passivity, and
also the difficulty sometimes of finding a speaker who is both solid expert and effective
communicator.
The audience reaction team is a team of five or six members of the audience who react to a
lecturer or other resource person. This may be called the Buzz session. It is a technique for
involving every member of a large audience directly in the discussion process. The entire
audience is divided into small groups (six members) for a limited time (six minutes) for discussion
on an assigned question. Usually it is done by having odd number rows turn their chairs to face
row behind them. Before the talk they are identified, introduced, and their role explained.
They may interrupt the speaker to seek immediate clarification of points that are not clear, and
otherwise assist the speaker in meeting the needs of a specific audience.

Panel

The panel is a group of four to six persons with a special knowledge of a subject holding an
orderly conversation on an assigned topic in full view of the audience.

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