Alternate Training of Shared and Task-Specific Parameters for Multi-Task
  Neural Networks
Stefania Bellavia Francesco Della Santa Alessandra Papini
This paper introduces novel alternate training procedures for hard-parameter
sharing Multi-Task Neural Networks (MTNNs). Traditional MTNN training faces
challenges in managing conflicting loss gradients, often yielding sub-optimal
performance. The proposed alternate training method updates shared and
task-specific weights alternately, exploiting the multi-head architecture of
the model. This approach reduces computational costs, enhances training
regularization, and improves generalization. Convergence properties similar to
those of the classical stochastic gradient method are established. Empirical
experiments demonstrate delayed overfitting, improved prediction, and reduced
computational demands. In summary, our alternate training procedures offer a
promising advancement for the training of hard-parameter sharing MTNNs.