Students Rating on Training Methods and Techniques: A Survey

(With special reference to selected Private Engineering Colleges in Bhubaneswar, Odisha)

Co- Authors:

Dr. B. Chandra Mohan Patnaik

Associate Professor School of Management KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Mobile No 09338809557, E-mail: bcmpatnai@ksom.ac.in &

Dr. Ipseeta Satpathy, D.Litt. Associate Professor School of Management KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Hello: 09937234890, Mail: ipseeta@ksom.ac.in
&

Prakash Kumar Pradhan

Ph. D Scholar School of Management KIIT University, Bhubaneswar, Odisha Hello: 09090189879, Mail: mail2icm@gmail.com

Students Rating on Training Methods and Techniques: A Survey

(With special reference to selected Private Engineering Colleges in Bhubaneswar, Odisha)

Abstract This paper empirically examines the application of different methods and techniques that are employed in the Engineering Colleges for imparting knowledge. A survey conducted by us dealt with a variety methods and techniques that are used in training the future Engineers to create, maintain and sustain interest and curiosity in the learner towards learning objects and to facilitate learning. The objective of the study is to examine the main methods applied in the training programs in Engineering Colleges, to rank the most effective training method and to suggest some more effective tools for the improvement in training in Engineering Colleges. In support to the objective of the research there is a primary research through questionnaire administration method in the field through stratified random sampling method and to analyze the data and derive results from it percentage method used. This method is easy to use and taken as suitable method to compare, keeping in view the objective of the study. Out of 300 questionnaires served 221 responded which includes 97 girls. The response rate was 73.67%. From the total response of 221, the percentage of girls participation was 43.89%.In our study we found that found that the most widely used training methods and techniques were case study, lecture, role play, and seminar and business games. These training methods and techniques were found to be variously appropriate and facilitating learning. For the purpose of confidentiality we are not disclosing the names of the Engineering Colleges. Our concluding observation is that objective of the Engineering Colleges should focus more on Producing Entrepreneur (employer) or self employed not Employees

Key Words: Private Engineering Colleges (PECs), Training, Learning, Perception

Introduction
Training aims to change behavior at the work place in order to stimulate efficiency and higher performance standards. It is concerned with work-based learning. In turn, learning is seen as a form of behavioral change (Alan and Chloe 1990). Training has been usefully defined as the systematic development of the attitude, knowledge and skill and behavior pattern required by an individual in order to perform adequately a given task or job (Glossary of training terms, 1971). A training program normally uses a variety of training methods and techniques to create and maintain and sustain interest and curiosity in the learner towards learning. A number of training techniques totaling more than 300 are available (Andrzej 1984). But none of those techniques may be deemed as the best because they have different degree of effectiveness depending on various factors like training objectives, the back ground, knowledge level and attitude of trainee and trainer and training environment. The aim of study conducted by the authors was to analyze the training methods and techniques usually applied in training programs in Engineering Colleges.

Objective of the study

 To examine the main methods applied in the training programs in Engineering Colleges.  To rank the most effective training method.  To suggest some more effective tools for the improvement in training in Engineering Colleges.

Limitations of the Study

 The study is restricted to the selected Private Engineering Colleges in Bhubaneswar only.  The sample is limited; it may not represent scenario of all the students of Private Engineering Colleges.  The period of study conducted for the period of 2 months i.e. Sept 2010-Oct 2010

Sampli

plan
obj ti of t research there is a pri ary research through questionnaire

In support to t

administration method in the field through stratified random sampling method and to analyze the data and deri e results from it percentage method used. This method is easy to use and taken as suitable method to compare, keeping in view the objective of the study. Out of 300 questionnaires served 221 responded which in cludes 97 girls. The response rate was 73.67%. From the total response of 221, the percentage of girls participation was 43.89%.

Findings of t

st dy

Do you agree t at Case Study met od is t e best met od for training in Engineering Colleges? Table-1 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 78 62.90 Boys 97 43.89 62 63.92 Girls 221 100 140 63.35 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 17 9 26 % 13.71 9.28 11.76 No 29 26 55 % 23.39 26.80 24.89 Total 100 100 100

Chart -1:Case Study method is the best method for training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say
No Girls

Yes 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Boys

Interpretation: 63.35% of the respondents agreed that case study method is the good method, 24.89% did not agree and rests could not give any opinion This reflects that majority . believes in case study method in training method.

Do you agree t at Lecture met od is best met od for training in Engineering Colleges? Table-2 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 62 50 Boys 97 43.89 57 58.76 Girls 221 100 119 53.85 Total Source: Compiled from filed study Cannot say 13 11 24 % 10.48 11.34 10.86 No 49 29 78 % 39.52 29.90 35.29 Total 100 100 100

Chart -2:Lecture method is best method for training in Engineering Colleges

No
Yes

10

20

30

40

50

60

70

Interpretation: 53.85% having perception to the lecture method, followed by 35.29% did not agree to this method and 10.86% could not say anything. The response was mi ed of course majority supported this. Do you agree t at Practical/Experiment Met od is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-3 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 103 83.06 Boys 97 43.89 89 91.75 Girls 221 100 192 86.88 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 6 2 8 % 4.84 2.06 3.62 No 15 6 21 % 12.1 6.19 9.5 Total 100 100 100

Chart -3:Practical/Experiment Method is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Yes

Cann t sa

Girls

Boys
0 20 40 60 80 100 120

Cannot sa

Girls

Interpretation: Answering to this question, 86.88% said Yes, 9.5% said No, and rest could not say anything. This represents that practical and experiment method is more acceptable method for engineering college students. Do you agree t at Seminar Met od is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-4 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 66 53.23 Boys 97 43.89 50 51.55 Girls 221 100 116 52.49 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 10 14 24 % 8.06 14.43 10.86 No 48 33 81 % 38.71 41.68 36.65 Total 100 100 100

Chart -4:Seminar Method is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say No Yes 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 Girls

Interpretation: Responding to the seminar method, 36.65% did not agree, 52.49% said Yes and the rest thought not to say anything. Here, the method is not whole heartily accepted by the students. Do you agree t at Engineering Games is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-5 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 58 46.77 Boys Girls 97 43.89 48 49.48 221 100 106 47.96 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 9 5 14 % 7.26 5.15 6.33 No 57 44 101 % 45.97 45.37 45.71 Total 100 100 100

Boys

Chart -5:Engineering Games is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cann t ay N

Interpretation: Supporting to this method, 47.96% respondents said Yes, followed by 45.71% said No and 6.33% did not say anything. This represents that there is mixed response to this question. Do you agree t at Movie Films are t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-6 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 47 37.90 Boys 97 43.89 34 35.05 Girls 221 100 81 36.65 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 12 17 29 % 9.68 17.53 13.12 No 65 46 111 % 52.42 47.42 50.23 Total 100 100 100

Chart -6:Movie Films are the best method of training in Engineering Colleges
Cannot say

No Y s

10

20

30

Interpretation: Answering to this, 50.23% respondents said No, 36.65% said Yes and rest cannot say anything. This means movie film method of training in engineering colleges rejected by the students.

 
0 10 20 30 40 50 60



Girls Boys

Girls Boys 40 50 60 70

Do you agree t at Sensitivity is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-7 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 35 28.23 Boys 97 43.89 27 27.84 Girls 221 100 62 28.05 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 14 11 25 % 11.29 11.34 11.31 No 75 59 134 % 60.48 60.82 60.63 Total 100 100 100

Chart -7:Sensitivity is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say
No Yes 0 10 20 30 40 50 60 70 80

Interpretation: Answering to this question 60.63% out rightly rejected this method, 28.05% said yes and rest could not say anything. Do you agree t at Group Discussion is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-8 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 35 28.23 Boys 97 43.89 28 28.87 Girls 221 100 63 28.51 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 16 18 34 % 12.90 18.56 15.38 No 73 51 124 % 58.87 52.57 56.11 Total 100 100 100

Chart -8:Group Discussion is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say

No
Yes

$

#

"

!







Girls Boys

Girls Boys

Interpretation: Participating in this question 56.11% rejected the idea, 15.38% cannot say anything and rest supported the group discussion method of teaching in engineering colleges. Do you agree t at Programmed Instruction is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-9 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 29 23.39 Boys 97 43.89 24 24.74 Girls 221 100 53 23.98 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 6 13 19 % 4.84 13.40 8.60 No 89 60 149 % 71.77 61.86 67.42 Total 100 100 100

Chart -9:Programmed Instruction is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say
No Girls Boys

Yes
0 20 40 60 80 100

Interpretation: Answering to this question, 67.42% rejected the method, 23.98% said Yes and rest could not say anything. Do you agree t at Television Lecture is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-10 Category % Yes 124 56.11 23 Boys 97 43.89 18 Girls 221 100 41 Total Source: Compiled from field study % 18.55 18.56 18.55 Cannot say 5 8 13 % 4.03 8.25 5.88 No 96 71 167 % 77.42 73.19 75.57 Total 100 100 100

Chart -10:Television Lecture is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say No

Girls
Boys 0 20 40 60 80 100

Y s

Interpretation: 75.57% students out rightly rejected these techniques, 18.55% respondents find interesting and rest did not say anything. Do you agree t at Simulation is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-11 Category % Yes 124 56.11 24 Boys 97 43.89 19 Girls Total 221 100 43 Source: Compiled from field study % 19.35 19.59 19.46 Cannot say 7 3 10 % 5.65 3.09 4.52 No 93 75 168 % 75 77.32 76.02 Total 100 100 100

Chart -11:Simulation is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say

No Yes

Interpretation: Answering to this question 76.02% rejected the simulation method, 19.46% found interesting to this method and rest could not say anything.

10

((3

(2

(1

&

(0

&

()

&

'

Girls
Boys

Do you agree t at in Basket Exercise is t e best met od of training in Engineering Colleges? Table-12 Category % Yes % 124 56.11 17 13.71 Boys 97 43.89 15 15.46 Girls 221 100 32 14.48 Total Source: Compiled from field study Cannot say 14 6 20 % 11.29 6.19 9.05 No 93 76 169 % 75 78.35 76.47 Total 100 100 100

Chart -12:Basket Exercise is the best method of training in Engineering Colleges

Cannot say
No Y s Girls s

20

40

60

80

100

Interpretation: Answering to this question, 76.47% rejected to the idea, 9.05% could not say anything and rest said yes. This indicates that this method is not accepted by the students.

Suggested Met ods and Techniques

 Video- conferencing and Tele-conferencing

These are two ways audio and two -ways visual link-up training techniques. They can achieve participative training by involving faculties in different locations. Students can interact with each other and with a faculty. Special training is needed for the fa culties. Careful preplanning is essential.  Role Reversal

It involves enactment of reversed roles by two or more students in a simulated situation. It is mainly used to help those who operate in face face situations to appreciate their -to contacts needs and feeling. As with role-play, it needs discipline and realism.

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Internet and Intranets

They allow world wide information gathering, including planned programs of learning, plus worldwide forums. They provide useful data source for projects of all kinds. Internets offer flow of information to specific workplace sites. Organizations can develop intranet systems in which members continuously input data for central storage which all can access as needed.  Computer based training

It involves learner-managed coverage of programmed material usually involving keyboard and screen. Students use keyboards in line with screen instructions, calling forth information and responding to questions.  Electronic Brainstorming

Students sit in the class with individual laptops/PC connected through a local area network. One computer/ laptop acts as file server by using special packages e.g. Meeting Ware in which participants can contribute anonymously by computer to a brainstorming session. The results are analyzed by computer (EI-Sharif and Tang, 1994). Careful preparation is needed to implement this type of training to the students. Experience faculty is required to handle this.

Concluding Note
Training methods and techniques which are being used in Engineering Colleges should be introspected so as produce good Nation Builders for the future. There should be some breakeven point between the understanding level of the students and methodology or training techniques are being used for imparting knowledge. It is also important to note that the products (students) of Engineering Schools should be exposed to real world. The training should be more lively and practical oriented it should not be restricted to class room teaching only. The training methodology in Engineering Colleges should be

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according to the industry requirements. This should be understood by the faculty and the students as well. Focus should be more on practical and industry oriented methodology and techniques and the students should be exposed to this. At same time commitment and involvement of the students for this process is more important for the successful implementation and imparting knowledge in Engineering Colleges. A variety training methods and techniques are used in imparting knowledge to create, maintain and sustain interest and curiosity in the students towards learning objects all of which to facilitate learning. Among them, the most widely used are case study, lecture, experiment/practical, role play, seminar and business games etc. The study also found these methods and techniques in varying measures to be effective, appropriate and facilitating learning.

References:
 Pambookian, H. (1976). Discrepancy between instructor and students evaluation of instruction: Effect on instruction. Instructional Science. 5 pages 63-75  Browne, Charles and Evans, Bruce. "The ALT as Cultural Informant: A Catalyst for Developing Students' Communicative Competence." Studies in Team Teaching. Ed. Minoru Wada and Antony Cominos. Tokyo: Kenkyusha Publishing Co. Ltd., 1994. 17-28.  Alan Cowling and Chloe Mailer (1990), Managing Human Resources, 2nd Edition, Edward Arnold, A Division of Holder & Stoughton Ltd. London.  Angelo, T.A. and Cross K.P. (1993). Classroom assessment techniques: A hand book or college teachers. (2nd edition). San-Francisco. Jossey-Bass Inc. page 7.  Brookfield, S.D. (1990). The skillfull teacher. Oxford, Jossey-Bass Inc. p 29.  Brophy, J. (1992). Probing the subtleties of subject -matter teaching. Educational Leadership, 49 pages 4-8.

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 Zimbabwe Journal of Educational Research Volume 10 Number 1, March pages 621640.  Brophy, J.E. and Good, T.L. (1994). Looking in classrooms. New York. Harper Collings College publishers page 37.  Udai Pareek and T.V. Rao (1981)- Handbook of Trainers in Educational Management UNESCO Regional Office, Bangkok, pp.169-172.  Katz, J. (1985) (ed.). Teaching as though students mattered. New directions in teaching and learning no. 21 San-Francisco, Jossey-Bass Inc.  Glossary of Training Terms, HMSO (1971), Department of Employment.  Fraser, B.J. (1997). Classroom research in educational research, methodology and measurement: An international hand book

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