Basic Instructor Training NavigationMethods of Instruction!

Determining which Method of Instruction to use in a training program can sometimes be difficult, because there are many different instructional methods which may be used in a training environment. Each method has certain advantages and disadvantages, some are more suited for certain kinds of instruction than others. Each of the different methods require greater or lesser participation by students. One method, or perhaps a combination of methods, is usually most appropriate for most subject matter and objectives.

The common methods of instruction are the instructor-lead, lecturer, demonstrator, practical exercise, and the self-study, with each of these methods it will have someone doing something to teach whatever it is you there to learn, only exception is the self-study independent method.

Based on your subject matter, you will need to determine which instructional method's will best showcase the information you will be teaching.

Instructor-led method:  

This is the most common used method of instruction, where the instructor becomes the sole disseminator of information. The Instructor presents information to the student systematically in this method. This approach is consider the best method to use because the instructor interfaces with the students by presenting segments of instruction, questions the students frequently, and provides periodic summaries or logical points of development.

Lecturer method:

The lecture method is also a widely used method of instruction, with this method the lecture becomes the sole disseminator of information. Interaction with the students is often limited by the lectures when presenting segments of instruction, questions the students frequently have only the choice of listening to what is being presented.

Demonstration method:

The Demonstration method is one where the student observes the portrayal of a procedure, technique, or operation. The demonstration method shows how to do something or how something works.

Practical Exercise:

A practical exercise (PE) may take many forms. Basically, it is a method of training in which the student actively participates, either individually or as a team member. He or she does this by applying previously learned knowledge or skills. All students actively participate although they may work at their own rate. Students may or may not be required to follow a set sequence. The various forms of the PE are explained in detail below:

Controlled PE:

The controlled PE is a form of PE where the student is guided, step-by-step through a procedure, technique or operation. It is characterized by two things: (1) Students participate as a class, (2) they are guided through a set sequence, and students generally complete each step and are checked by the instructor prior to continuing to the next step. A mistake is corrected before the student is allowed to proceed to the next step.

Practice Method:

Students (alone or as part of a team effort ) repeatedly perform previously learned actions, sequences, operations, or procedures.

Case Study or Team Practice:

The student performs as a member of a group to solve a text book problem with a team solution or practice completing a sequenced task.

Coach and Pupil:

In this method, the student performs individually while being observed by the coach. The coach's responsibility is to ensure that the student performs the action or process correctly. When the student then completes a given task, he assumes the role of the coach and the coach becomes the pupil.


The student independently, applies prior skills or knowledge gained in either an actual or training situation. He practices by himself although he may ask for instructor advice if necessary.

Remember, as you consider which method or methods of instruction you are going use and incorporate into your instructional training program. You must pay carefully attention to developing your objectives and the development of your teaching points. They must be realistic, logical, and achievable by not only you but the students as well. And attempts to cut corners here could result in an ineffective training program, in other words a complete "failure."

During the course we will examine more closely the advantages and disadvantages of each methods of instruction, and how they can be used to reinforce your teaching points and reach your objectives effectively. 

Yea! I know this stuff was a little boring, but now you know. Nevertheless, this was tame compared our next topic of lesson plans go there now or go back to the top! It's your choice!



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