An analysis of the context and current training methods used in training of trainers in selected organisations in the Lusaka district.
Training of trainers has its origin in the field of adult education and carries along the adult learning principles. However, many practitioners tend to ignore the very core principles that underlie the methods used in training trainers. For this reason, this study sought to analyse the training methods used in the training of trainers in three selected organizations in the Lusaka District. The objectives of the study were to investigate the training methods used in training of trainers by the trainers, to establish the relevance of training methods to trainees’ learning style; and to assess the tools used by trainers to monitor the application of their knowledge and skills in their training. The study comprised 60 participants including four trainers, 54 trainees and two supervisors were purposively drawn from three organizations. Qualitative and quantitative methods were employed to gather and collect the data in response to the purpose of the study and the research objectives. Data were collected through face-to-face interviews with trainers and supervisors and a combination of closed and open-ended questionnaires was used to collect the data from the trainees. Qualitative data was analysed using inductive thematic analysis and quantitative data was analysed using descriptive statistics to establish and compare the training methods used by the trainers.The study found that the (trainees, trainers and supervisors preferred methods of training which they felt addressed their needs and those of their organizations. The study also established that trainers deployed different methods when training the trainees in a bid to accommodate the diversity among the trainees. For this reason, trainers acknowledge that there was no single method that would make trainees or training sessions successful and effective. The success of a training session was based on the deployment of a variety of training methods in the training sessions. The study established that workshops employing scenario training, on-the-job training and lecture methods were among the key methods used to conduct the training in the selected organisations. These methods were selected based on the training materials and availability of resources in terms of funds and training personnel. The study also revealed that the training environment played a pivotal role in a training session because some training activities were by nature interactive and as such required an environment that would allow for such activities to take place with little or no interruptions. These methods were also reported to be relevant because they considerably helped the trainees to improve their work performance after training. The study concluded that different training methods were used but no single method was appropriate for successful training of trainers - but a combination of different methods in respect of the trainee's different training styles. There was also an implicit attempt to contextualise the training methods within the adult learning framework and principles.
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