Other common Learning & Development methods used in the organization (Part 2)

As was shown in the previous article there are many other methods for trainers to formulate their methods of learning and development as stated by Raheja (2015). Discussed below are a few more methods.

• E-Learning

Goyal (2012) describes E-Learning as a training given without any printed documents. It is the flag carrier of modern education. It uses the modern telecommunication methods to deliver learning materials. A good example of this is how we use the Airbus Portal in the training of engineering staff at Srilankan airlines Engineering.

• Job Rotation

According to (managementstudyguide.com) Job Rotation is a management approach where employees are shifted between two or more assignments or jobs at regular intervals of time in order to expose them to all verticals of an organization. It is a pre-planned approach with an objective to test the employee skills and competencies in order to place him or her at the right place. In addition to it, it reduces the monotony of the job and gives them a wider experience and helps them gain more insights. An employee been rotated in different jobs. This will enable him train on a series of related jobs and the organization can cross utilize him given various situations. A good example of this is that the technicians and engineering of Srilankan airlines LTD engineering department are rotated between Line maintenance, Base maintenance and Workshop work to make sure that the staff is proficient in all aspects.

• Lecture

The most traditional and direct method which is mainly for large participants. However, it mostly used by colleges and universities more than organizations. At the Srilankan Aviation college lectures are provided by qualified and trained lecturers to all engineering staff during initial training and further training to teach them about the basics and various tasks and aircraft systems that the technicians need to know about.

• Mentoring

As stated in (td.org) Mentoring is a reciprocal and collaborative at-will relationship that most often occurs between a senior and junior employee for the purpose of the mentee’s growth, learning, and career development. Often the mentor and mentee are internal to an organization, and there is an emphasis on organizational goals, culture, and advice on professional development. Mentors often act as role models for their mentee and provide guidance to help them reach their goals. This method is ideal for attitude development of executive/managerial staff. A senior staff or a reputed professional can be used to mentor the employees. At Srilankan Airlines LTD> engineering the engineers and senior technicians act as mentors to all new technicians and guide them through their daily tasks.

• On the Job Training

As per John M et. al (1997) On-the-job training is highly used for practical tasks. It is inexpensive, and it doesn't require special equipment that is normally used for a specific job. Upon satisfaction of completion of the training, the employer is expected to retain participants as regular employees Once basic training is completed, trainees can be deployed on, on the job training so they will have an in-detail idea about the job role they will have to work on. All new engineering trainees at Srilankan Aviation College are provided with at least a years’ worth of on the job training as part of the basic course.

• Outdoor Training

According to (mbaskool.com) Outdoor Training is a method of training employees outdoors through activities, games, tasks etc. through physical activities which helps in team building, strategy making, personality development, crisis management etc. Outdoor Training is very different from other forms of training in the sense that the mangers participate with his/her employees instead of managers leading the session. This helps to break the ice between the two and establishes a sense of comfort between the employees and their managers. Trainings carried out in outdoor facilities mostly by professional trainers. These are used mainly for leaners attitude development rather than their professional skills. At Srilankan Aviation College all students are provided with the out door training at dedicated training aircrafts and mockups and this also includes outside training at specific job training facilities.

• Role- Playing

Role play is the act of imitating the character and behavior of someone who is different from yourself, for example as a training exercise (collinsdictionary.com). The learner is given a role in a scenario and is expected to study the impacts of the issue. It gives a “real world” experience by giving a chance to study contents out of the work scope.

• Self- Development

As per Aubrey (2010) When personal development takes place in the context of institutions, it refers to the methods, programs, tools, techniques, and assessment systems that support human development at the individual level in organizations Using your own experience to review and learn. Also, this includes learning by the trainee himself by referring to study materials relevant. At Srilankan Aviation College all trainees are provided withal the required study materials and training aids so that they can self-study and improve themselves.

• Simulations

Creating an artificial scenario identical to the actual environment to give a real time experience.

 

References

Bob Aubrey (2010) Managing Your Aspirations: Developing Personal Enterprise in the Global Workplace McGraw-Hill. P. 9

Collins Dictionary [online] < www.collinsdictionary.com/dictionary/english/role-play > [7 May 2020]

Goyal, S. (2012) E-Learning: Future of Education. Journal of Education and Learning, 6(2), pp. 239-242.

John M. Barron, Mark C. Berger, Dan A. Black (1997). Introduction to On-the-Job Training. Upjohn Institute for Employment Research. pp. 1–3

managementstudyguide.com “Job Rotation - Meaning and its Objectives” [online] < https://www.managementstudyguide.com/job-rotation.htm > [7 May 2020]

mbaskool.com (2016) “Outdoor Training” [online] < https://www.mbaskool.com/business-concepts/human-resources-hr-terms/15706-outdoor-training.html >  [7 May 2020]

Raheja, K. (2015) Methods of Training and Development. Innovative Journal of Business and Management, 4(2), pp. 35-41

td.org, “What is Mentoring?”  [online] < https://www.td.org/what-is-mentoring > [7 May 2020]