What are the advantages and disadvantages of demonstration during on the job training?

Advantages: * Low cost - does not require the development of potentially expensive training materials or classroom/computer-based instruction. * Task-based - Since OJT is performed at the work area, training tends to be focused on performing real job tasks. * Well suited for small groups - OJT is often the most practical training method when you only need to train one or two employees at a time. Disadvantages: * Inconsistent - Traditional OJT relies heavily on an experienced employee to provide the instruction based on what they feel are the most important topics. What is important to one employee may not be important to another. The result is what is learned may vary greatly, depending on who is assigned as the trainer. * Incomplete - Without a structured lesson guide, OJT trainers often forget to cover important information. What is learned is likely to be based on what happened that day rather than on what a new employee needs to know to be safe and productive. * Lack of founding principles - While the hands-on aspect of OJT may appeal to the practical learner, often the underlying theories of operation are not covered in sufficient detail or accuracy. Without this foundation of knowledge, trainees often learn what to do, not why they are doing it, resulting in poor decision making when things don't go exactly right. * Bad habits - The trainee observes and may adopt the trainer's habits and attitudes about all aspects of the job including safety, quality, customer service, and relationship with management. Poorly selected trainers can have many unintended consequences.