Instructor-led training is face-to-face training, where participants and instructors engage with each other, either in a physical or a virtual environment. Regardless of the learning environment, it is essential that the instructor facilitate engaging and interactive learning sessions. Understand why that is in this article.

What is instructor-led training (ILT)? 

Instructor-led training, also known as ILT, is a traditional approach to teaching and training delivery, where instructors deliver information, facilitate activities, and provide feedback in real-time to participants. The group of learners are in direct interaction with the instructor and each other. 

The instructor’s role in training 

The instructor is referred to as a facilitator when it comes to ILT. This entails that the instructor is responsible for delivering material in a deliberate and appropriate manner. This includes communicating and passing on their knowledge or skills to the participants. For example, by presenting a topic and handing out accompanying learning materials such as booklets to the participants in order to enhance the learning experience.

Interaction is another keyword for describing the instructor’s role in training. They are facilitating an interactive learning environment, either by providing feedback in real-time or creating the space for dialogue between them and the participant, as well as discussion among the participants. 

ILT formats

There are many forms and formats that ILT training can take, depending on the size of the course, the theme, the constraints of the physical learning environment, or the participants’ needs. Such ILT formats are for example: 

• Workshops
• Seminars
• One-on-one coaching
• Hands-on sessions 
• Webinars 

Examples of ILT training include 

Discussions, role-playing, exercises, and group work are keywords for how the learning sessions are organised. Next, we’ll delve into how to implement ILT in various settings. 

Small groups

Delivering ILT successfully to small groups depends on the instructor’s ability to facilitate group discussions. Encourage an open dialogue and try role-playing or other exercises that lead to active participation from everyone. An upside of small group learning is that everyone can contribute and be heard, but it also requires everyone to actually actively participate.

One-on-one 

The foundation for successful one-on-one training sessions is often made before the actual session begins. As an instructor, you should take time to get to know the participants and ask them about their learning goals, preferred learning styles, or relevant background information. That way you can more easily tailor the sessions and its contents to their individual needs. 

Corporate training

In corporate training, your role as instructor should be focused on relating learning content to real-world examples. This will encourage the participants to apply what they have learned in later scenarios at their workplace. You can use case studies or practical examples that will build their confidence and awareness about the bridge between theory and practice. 

Benefits of instructor-led training 

Direct access to instructors 

Instructors who facilitate the learning session are readily available for participants to ask questions and get answers immediately. There is immediate feedback in real time, making it an efficient learning interaction. 

Social interactions

ILT can easily become a great space for realising social learning. Interactions between participants is a natural consequence of instructor-led training, and it offers a social, collaborative learning experience.   

Higher levels of interactions

The probability of achieving interactive, engaged learning sessions is high in ILT. Related to the point about social interactions, there is great potential for group and collaborative efforts that can boost the learning outcome. 

It is structured 

The facilitator/instructor structures each session and the entire learning experience, making it easier to follow the learning path and more probable to achieve goals in a timely manner. It is also possible for the instructor to adapt the training sessions based on the unique needs of the group. 

Methods for delivering instructor-led training 

There are three main methods for delivering instructor-led training in practice, which are: 

• Physical room 
• Virtually 
• Practical environment

Choice of training delivery for ILT depends on the circumstances of the learning session. Traditionally, it is held in a physical environment much like a classroom or lecture hall. 

This can be applied to a training environment, where the course can be shaped similarly to a classroom or lecture, and the instructor can play the role of the lecturer. 

For interactive sessions or when aiming to boost the participant engagement, it is also possible to arrange the training session in a practical environment. It is a real-world setting that enables participants to apply new knowledge and gain practical, hands-on experiences while in a learning environment. 

VILT – virtual instructor-led training 

A modernised and optimised version of instructor-led training is virtual instructor-led training (VILT), which is characterised by the same elements as ILT, but executed in a virtual or digital space. 

Explore more of what VILT is and its benefits here

Why face-to-face learning can be better than online learning 

ILT or face-to-face learning offers personal interaction where participants can ask questions and clarify doubts. This enables instructors to provide feedback, for which other participants can chime in and provide suggestions to each other as well. While this is also possible in e-learning, it does come with an extra hindrance to some, which is the screen that separates the instructor from the participants. 

E-learning and online courses on the other hand offer flexibility and lower costs. It is also possible to combine instructor-led training with e-learning in a blended learning strategy. This is when you blend the two training delivery methods to offer flexibility, while ensuring high levels of engagement.

LMS for blended learning strategies 

We offer a learning management system (LMS) for training providers who are looking to customise their learning academy. If you choose an LMS with the necessary features to create an engaging online course, such as content tools, efficient AI features, and course management, then you should consider giving our LMS a go. 

Elevate your training delivery with a TMS

In addition to an LMS, we offer an all-in-one Training Management System (TMS) built to support your training sessions. From handling enquiries and registrations to automating communication and tracking performance, it gives you the tools to manage participants and courses efficiently.

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