GROUP  TRAINING Orientation Training In group training, trainees receive training in one  large  group.  This  method  allows  a  large number  of  people  to  learn  at  the  same  time, thereby reducing the time devoted to training. The instructors   use   training   aids,   demonstrations, lectures,  and  group  discussions,  which  increase the  effectiveness  of  the  training.  However,  this method is effective only for information that does not  require  a  lot  of  “hands-on”  practice  with complex  processes  or  equipment. THE  SCHOOLHOUSE  METHOD Trainees of the schoolhouse method attend a specially   organized   Navy   or   civilian   training course.  This  method  of  training  is  highly  effective, but the person must frequently accept temporary additional   duty   (TAD)   at   another   location   to attend the course. Thus, the command loses the individual for the duration of the training. That drawback,  coupled  with  the  expense  of  sending the   person   TAD,   reduces   the   effectiveness   of this  method.  Commands  can  make  it  effective, however,  by  using  a  few  people  to  teach  many. That  is,  commands  can  send  a  few  people  TAD to  learn  new  skills;  after  those  people  return,  they can then teach the skills to their shipmates. THE  IN-HOUSE  TRAINING METHOD The  best  training  method  is  an  in-house training  program  that  combines  the  apprentice- ship,  group,  and  schoolhouse  methods  to  meet  the needs  of  your  command. Any  effective  training  method  requires  care- fully  planned  and  properly  scheduled  lessons. When  developing  lesson  plans  and  setting  up schedules  for  in-house  training,  remember  two important elements. First, the larger the volume of  information,  the  more  time  the  trainee  will require to absorb it. Second, the speed at which people learn varies, though given enough time and enough practice, most people can learn any skill. Through  systematic  training  people  can  learn  jobs in  a  fraction  of  the  time  normally  required through self-study. Planning ensures the trainee will   receive   in-house   training   in   everything required to perform the job. Scheduling provides the  time  needed  for  training. The Navy uses four types of in-housetraining: orientation,  on-the-job,  refresher,  and  career  or professional  development  training. Orientation  training  is  designed  to  acquaint Navy  personnel  with  their  new  organization,  their place  in  the  organization,  and  the  part  the organization  plays  in  carrying  out  the  Navy’s mission(s).  Every  person  entering  an  organization or  unit  for  the  first  time  needs  orientation training.  Before  people  can  become  enthusiastic about  their  work,  they  must  know  something about the organization and feel a sense of pride in  being  a  part  of  it.  Generally,  new  people  are apt to be more attentive, open-minded, and eager to  learn  than  the  “old  hands”;  and  what  they learn  is  more  likely  to  remain  indelibly  fixed  in their   minds.   Therefore,   a   good   orientation   is important  to  new  people. On-the-Job Training On-the-job  training  teaches  Navy  personnel how  to  do  the  jobs  to  which  they  have  been assigned. Since that is among the most important training  supervisors  do,  they  must  conduct  it  with great care. Careless or indifferent training could result in higher operating costs; in extreme cases, it could prevent mission accomplishment or cost someone  his  or  her  life  or  a  limb.  Untrained personnel are the most expensive individuals on the Navy’s payroll. Untrained people always cost more  in  dollars  and  operational  capability  than a trained, mission-capable person, The cheapest, most cost-efficient way to train new personnel is through a regularly scheduled training program. Refresher  Training Refresher  training  helps  people  keep  “up  to speed.” It  enables  people  to  brush  up  on knowledge and skills they already have but do not use often. It also teaches them about any changes in methods or techniques. Refresher training takes place  after  people  have  completed  job  training. Career or Professional Development Training Career  or  professional  development  training develops and improves the knowledge, skills, and abilities  of  your  people  to  prepare  them  to  fill positions of greater responsibility. Such training helps  people  prepare  for  advancement  even though it may not relate to their immediate jobs. 5-3