TYPES OF STAFF DEVELOPMENT UNIT IV

Types of Staff Development Activities

A. Induction Training

Induction training is a brief, standardized introduction provided to new employees within their first few days of employment. It familiarizes them with the institution’s philosophy, purpose, policies, and regulations, aiming to enhance their retention, morale, and productivity. The process involves several steps:

• Tour of facilities.
• Introduction to colleagues, superiors, and subordinates.
• Overview of organizational functions.
• Developmental visits.
• Orientation to philosophical goals and objectives.
• Explanation of administrative policies and procedures.

Example: A new teacher at a school is given a tour of the campus, introduced to fellow staff members, and briefed on the school's educational philosophy and policies.

B. Job Orientation

Job orientation is an individualized training program designed to acquaint newly recruited employees with their job responsibilities, workplace, clients, and coworkers. It involves creating awareness about roles, responsibilities, and relationships in a new work environment. This training:

• Provides essential and relevant job information.
• Helps employees gain confidence and reduces the time to adapt to new job settings.
• Prevents learning through trial and error.
• Reduces misinterpretations and confusion.
• Helps employees adjust to the new environment and understand available resources.

Example: A new IT technician is trained on the specific software and hardware used by the company, introduced to key clients, and shown how to access technical support resources.

C. In-Service Education

In-service education is a planned learning experience provided by an employing agency. It is offered in the job setting and aims to help employees perform more effectively by:

• Upgrading services with scientific principles.
• Acquiring new knowledge and improving specific skills.
• Promoting high standards of teaching and enhancing promotion opportunities.

Steps in In-Service Education:

• Assessment: Identifying and prioritizing needs, setting training objectives, and developing criteria.
• Implementation: Conducting the training with ongoing monitoring.
• Evaluation: Establishing criteria, conducting pre-tests and post-tests, observing the application of learning, and assessing retention.

Example: Teachers attend a workshop on the latest educational technologies and methods, followed by practical sessions and evaluations to integrate these tools into their teaching.

D. Continuing Education

Continuing education includes all learning activities that occur after completing basic education. It is designed to build upon previous education and adapt to new roles and advancements in technology. This type of education:

• Meets educational needs and public expectations.
• Fills knowledge gaps and tests the abilities of staff members.
• Improves communication among participants and shapes educational policies.
• Ensures the quality of education and provides opportunities for professional growth.

Example: A nurse enrolls in a continuing education course to learn about the latest advancements in patient care and medical technology.

E. Training for Specific Functions

This type of training focuses on developing specialized technical or manual skills and effective communication. It helps teaching personnel perform their functions correctly and establish standards and quality in their services.

Example: A laboratory technician receives specialized training on new diagnostic equipment to ensure accurate and efficient test results.