The classroom fits all, doesn't it?

We love classrooms don't we? As trainers that is our purpose, it's what we were trained for. All those practice sessions, how we engage we trainees, do I use a flipchart, whiteboard or PowerPoint? Then there is the chance to meet everyone, exchange old stories, and be a little daring with a piece of content you've never delivered before. What great fun, what a great job!

But hold on that's all starting to change with new technology, the time and cost that affects are preparation and delivery. We keep getting told that e-learning is not the future it is the now.

But let’s be clear on what makes the classroom a great place to learn.

1. Generally the time and place are set in stone so the trainees know where and when the training will take place.

2. It's a chance for staff to get away from their day to day work and concentrate on learning that new skill, knowledge or behaviour.

3. It provides an excellent opportunity for socialisation, for plenty of engagement in this synchronous environment.

4. We can be flexible with our delivery taking in to account the trainees reactions during the sessions

5. All sorts of activities can be built in so trainees can work in groups, with experts, on their own to vary the day.


So all is looking good, until we come to the audience. If the audience come in to the classroom with very little knowledge of the subject matter then the above points have a good chance of working. But if not then it will be difficult to devise a classroom session that will meet the needs of everyone.

Quite often in the classroom too much information is thrown in, especially in the time slot available, making it difficult to remember what happened. It's no good just throwing information at trainees hoping it will all stick!

Josh Bersin in his book 'The Blended Learning Book' uses a great formula

Mastery = Proficency + Retention

to develop mastery of a subject or process, you must be highly proficient (you can perform the task correctly) and experienced (you can undertake the task under a wide range of conditions). Experience is the key: it creates retention.

To achieve all this in the classroom can be very difficult and that's why blending our approach is a great way to effectively help our trainees learn.

Let’s not forget that classroom sessions are expensive with travel costs, accommodation, food and drinks. If your audience is large then lots of trainers may be required to undertake this task if you need to train people quickly.

Not all trainees want to undertake the learning on a specific date. They may prefer to work at there own pace and actually require support than instruction.

If it's just knowledge that is being delivered then webinars, podcasts, written material, Intranet postings may do just as well.

Even if it's a new process or system that requires learning then simulations can still deliver the answer to a large audience quickly as well.

Any form of e-learning will maintain a level of consistency which could be very important if it's compliancy material.

Let’s not forget the classroom as it plays a role in the methods available to us. But let’s also make sure we analyse the other methods in our toolbox and come up with the best design which is both efficient and effective.