Online training is usually cheaper because it’s easier to set up around busy team schedules. This kind of set up works very well in many industries, but Health & Safety Training and Fire Safety Training is different.
In this article we analyse what makes in person training so much more effective for learners, and is most definitely the best option for business where the fire risks are greater.
Acquiring practical skills are best done in a group, instructor led session these skills are normally mastered using the EDIP process. Explanation, Demonstration, Imitation, and Practice.
Learners learn differently and our instructors are trained to spot the differences and present to subject in varied ways to ensure that all course delegates get an understandable explanation and demonstration before they Imitate and practice.
Hendeca understand this process and use multiple channels to reach learners. Common channels used are:
a. The group discussion/ social interaction
b. Subject training books for reference after training
c. Multimedia presentations for real life examples
d. Lots of hands-on practice to confirm learning and competence.
Learners need to have the skill confirmed to them in several ways so that they are confident to use that skill for real in life. Our trainer starts with a discussion to set the scene and provoke recollection of previous real-life examples from the learners that confirms we are all talking about the same thing. It also gives the trainer an insight into the level of difference or understanding within the group.
The trainer needs to demonstrate the skill in as near perfect way as possible. This demonstrates not only technique but the best way to achieve the desired outcome from the skill. Variations and warnings are also brought out, so errors are less likely for the learner when practicing.
Imitating the trainer demonstrated skill is where the one-to-one assistance starts, and coaching techniques are used to bring all learners up to the correct basic standard. Now the fun starts, the learner can see that they are mastering a new skill under the guidance of a qualified person keeping them safe but encouraged throughout the process.
Practice, practice, practice, now the leaner repeats the skill many times to ensure that they fully understand it and they are confident they can repeat it when required. The is a positive experience for the learner who is now confident and wants to show off their now skill to all.
An online course is very useful when wishing to discover a skill and understand its uses. In many cases online courses are used when only theoretical knowledge is needed or as in part task training it is a precursor or adjunct to a practical skill course. The issues most people have with theory-based learning is that it does not answer learner questions in real time, it does not see that the learner is confused so continues to provide that same information. Where confirmation testing is in place a learner who fails that is just pushed back to re do the module and given the same information that confused them in the first place.
So short, fact-based learning can be achieved online i.e. learning the Highway Code, but you would never give a driving licence to someone who had only read about how to do it? The answer is no, the learner needs to practice with the instructor and demonstrate they have learned to drive safely to an examiner.
Hendeca courses are of a practical nature and take all of the above into account. Our feedback and success rate speak for themselves, look us up online and call us to talk about your current and future training needs.