Brief classroom training sessions for workplace readiness: are they effective?

Abstract

Classroom training sessions for new home care workers (HCWs) are often brief and ad hoc, varying in format and content. Yet the application of this training may be central to worker and client safety. A qualitative approach was adopted for this inquiry, comprising two separate but related practical studies. In the first, exploratory study, classroom training was observed, and HCWs were interviewed following their classroom training. Based on these findings, a set of interventions was implemented and evaluated in the second study. Findings from the overall inquiry suggest that brief classroom sessions are effective, however, a format which encourages the development of dispositional and procedural knowledge is most important. Learning in the classroom may also be enhanced with the provision of a range of written materials to trainees. The paper concludes with a set of recommendations for enhancing the effectiveness of brief classroom training sessions, and suggestions for future research.

Keywords:

• Classroom training
• workplace learning
• home care workers