OBJECTIVE
At the end of this session, you’ll be able to:
Ø Tell which group-based learning methods involve learners as spectators, and which as contributors.
Ø Identify 9 group-based training methods and list the advantages and limitations of each.
LEARNING METHOD:
Learning Thru Spectating
3 types of ‘spectating’ learning:-
1. Lectures
2. Videos and films
3. Demonstrations
Learning Thru Contributing
Can be divided into 2 groups:-
1. Dependent on interaction between people
Ø Brainstorming
Ø Discussions
Ø Role Play
2. Learn primarily from the activity and only independently from each other
Ø Case Studies
Ø Exercises
Ø Simulations
LECTURES – Advantages
Ø Used for large groups
Ø Moves quickly thru material
Ø Large amount of info in short time
LECTURES – Limitations
Ø Very low to no involvement
Ø Highly dependent on trainer’s interpersonal skills and techniques.
VIDEOS AND FILMS
If you decide to use a video or film:
Ø Check it first (functional & relevant)
Ø Check whether the equipment is available and functional
Ensure you can involve learners in the video/film
VIDEOS AND FILMS – Advantages
Ø Good examples are lively, interesting and motivating
Ø Consistent messages
Ø Perfect for showing processes
Ø Powerful attitude changer with emotional appeal
VIDEOS AND FILMS – Limitations
Ø Difficult to relate to local subjects
Ø Low involvement & interactivity
DEMONSTRATIONS
Ø Illustrate a task/procedure or the use of equipment
Ø Effective if learner have the chance to try it immediately
Ø Suit any type of objective with specific procedure/skill/reflex behavior
DEMONSTRATIONS – Advantages
Ø Relates theory to performance
Ø Able to observe and learn by imitation
Ø Learners able to clarify & feel motivated
DEMONSTRATIONS – Limitations
Ø Highly dependent on trainer’s skill
Ø May need certain equipment or tools to make it effective.
BRAINSTORMING
Basic rules:
Ø Go for quantity
Ø Note every idea without judgment
Ø Do it quickly
BRAINSTORMING – Advantages
Ø High level of involvement from trainees
Ø Opportunity to contribute ideas in safe environment
Ø Gets everyone thinking about subject
Ø Quick feedback for learners
BRAINSTORMING – Limitations
Ø Drift off point/develop wrong point
Ø Inappropriate ideas
Ø Can be loud and anarchic
DISCUSSIONS
Form into small groups 4-6 people
Lead either by trainer or organize independently
Good for:
Ø Changing attitudes
Ø Comparing experience
Ø Developing commitment
DISCUSSIONS – Advantages
Ø Contributions are pooled
Ø High level of participation
Ø Sense of equal status
Ø Misconception can be identified
DISCUSSIONS – Limitations
The larger the group, the less participation by each member.
Difficulties can arise if:
Ø Leaders are not skilled
Ø Domination of individual
ROLE PLAY – Advantages
Ø Active learning experience
Ø Get feedback from group
Ø Assess real life situations
ROLE PLAY – Limitations
Ø High level of preparation
Ø Trainees may refuse to get involved in acting
ROLE PLAY – Features
Ø Learners given roles to play e.g. a counselor meeting a client
Ø The role player must be brief on their task and situation, their feelings and what they have learned
CASE STUDIES
A story which documents a situation or event involving characters
It may be in the form of:
Ø A case illustration
Ø A case problem
Ø Can be presented in the form of
Ø Paper print with graphs,diagrams etc.
Ø Video or film
CASE STUDIES – Advantages
Ø Should relate closely to learner’s environment and knowledge
Ø Involves feelings, attitude and belief as well as skills and knowledge
CASE STUDIES – Limitations
Ø Initial preparation is time-consuming
Ø Case leader must be skilled
EXERCISES – Advantages
Ø Excellent for reinforcement
Ø Trainee involvement is guaranteed
Ø Fairly easy to facilitate
EXERCISES – Limitations
Ø Can be seen as a sole reason for doing the course
Ø Can tend to dominate events
SIMULATIONS – Advantages
Ø Rich learning experience
Ø Enable learners to make mistakes w/o damaging real equipment/people
Ø Combination of case study and role play
SIMULATIONS – Limitations
Ø Hi-tech simulators are very expensive
Ø Expensive and time consuming to prepare
CONCLUSION
Choose appropriate combination of methods to suit the learning objectives and environment
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