Training Design and Training Delivery
Research on training design and delivery can be categorized into two general themes: research on new approaches to engage learners in meaningful learning processes and research on specific training methods. Several studies in each of these two domains provide information on how to maximize the benefits of training.
Linou & Kontogiannis (2004) compared immediate recall and follow up retention levels (after six weeks) in four groups. Trainees were production engineering undergraduates. The primary objective of training was to help participants develop diagnostic strategies to identify symptoms and problems given a set of fault scenarios. One group received systemic training (focusing on structural, functional, and physical relationships among subsystems), two groups received either low level or high level diagnostic information, and one group received general training on theories related to manufacturing plants. The theory group and both diagnostic groups performed better on the immediate recall measures, whereas the systemic group performed better on the retention measure, presumably because group members built a more stable organization (mental model) of the training content. Similarly, Holladay & Quinones˜ (2003) showed that adding variability to practice trials resulted in better long term retention, presumably because trainees had to exert greater effort during skill acquisition.