IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 51 EMS INSTRUCTOR TRAINING PROGAM Creating an Effective Learning Environment Douglas Richardson EMT-P

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 52 Objectives Describe three information-gathering techniques used to assess an audience. Specify three individual or group attributes that affect learning. Describe an adaptive strategy for dealing effectively with three individual or group attributes.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 53 Objectives Identify two potential obstacles to learning. Cite methods to overcome two potential obstacles to learning. List five characteristics of an ideal learning environment. Describe seating arrangements that promote interaction.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 54 Objectives Name three factors that contribute to a stimulating atmosphere.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 55 Creating an Effective Learning Environment Information gathering techniques –Introductions –Surveys –One-on-one meetings –Informal focus groups

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 56 Information gathering techniques Using introductions effectively. Valuable information can be shared during those first few minutes of class. Information gathered can be used to adjust the class.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 57 Using introductions effectively Have you ever taught before? How long have you been in EMS? What is your specialty? Are you full or part-time? Is this a required course or elective. Are there any particular skills you hope to improve? Are you excited about being here? Why? What do you hope to gain by attending this class?

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 58 Useful Information Motivation Student goals Expertise and experience Demographics Cultural perspectives

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 59 Identify and Overcome Potential Obstacles to Learning Learning disabilities –Handled on an individual basis –Handled on a confidential basis Physical limitations State and institutional policies Local resources

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 510 Your “Game Plan” - A Review of Adjustment Strategies Restructure lessons by increasing the depth of the most relevant topics. Add exercises, activities, and practice. Enlist the support and commitment of students to help create a learning experience that meets their needs

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 511 Your “Game Plan” - A Review of Adjustment Strategies Give examples of how their participation and feedback can help you to make the material more relevant and useful to them. Meet individual needs, if possible: e.g. letter of recommendation, certification, skill development Teach to the middle, but use remediation and enhancement strategies.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 512 Your “Game Plan” - A Review of Adjustment Strategies Be aware and appreciate cultural differences. Use formal evaluation tools to measure comprehension and competence. Assess frequently, before beginning new material.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 513 Facility Issues Location Parking Security Available space Refreshments Cost

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 514 Ideal Learning Environment Clean, well-lit, comfortable Instructor-controlled climate Variety of seating options Additional space available On-site equipment Resources close at hand

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 515 Course-Specific Criteria Break-out rooms –Useful for highly interactive situations Special requirements –Practical requirements –Use of ambulances

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 516 Facility Arrangements Find the right training facility Visit the site Check out supplies and equipment Plan for know distractions Scheduling

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 517 Room Setup Lesson objectives and type of activities Space available Group size Media Need for instructor control vs. participant interaction

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 518 Seating Options Classroom Boardroom Semi-circle, U-shape Chevron

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 519 Classroom

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 520 Classroom Advantages Maximizes instructor control Fair Instructor mobility Good ability to see visual aids Maximizes space Disadvantages May loose people in the back of the room Discourages participation Reduces interaction among participants.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 521 Boardroom

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 522 Boardroom Advantages Encourages interaction Encourages participation Maximizes writing space Excellent for team work in break-out. Disadvantages Poor instructor mobility Some participants may have trouble seeing visual aids/instructor Uses more space per person, not good for large groups

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 523 Semi-Circle, U-Shape

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 524 Semi-Circle, U-Shape Advantages Excellent Instructor mobility Encourages interaction among participants. Encourages participation Disadvantages People near the front may have to turn to see visual aids. Uses more space per person. Not good for large groups

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 525 Chevron

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 526 Chevron Advantages Excellent Instructor mobility Excellent interaction among dyads or quads Encourages participation Advantages Provides writing space for participants Good ability to see visual aids Works well even with large groups.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 527 Classroom Management Preparation –Checklists Helpful hint –Flipcharts –Match each overhead to lesson plan outline –Arrive early Establish ground rules

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 528 Classroom Management Encourage an interactive, participatory learning environment. –Set the tone –Practice active listening Pay attention to signals from students. –Regarding physical needs –Regarding distractions –Involve participants in resolution process

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 529 Application Describe three information-gathering techniques used to assess an audience. Specify three individual or group attributes that affect learning. Describe an adaptive strategy for dealing effectively with three individual or group attributes.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 530 Application Identify two potential obstacles to learning. Cite methods to overcome two potential obstacles to learning. List five characteristics of an ideal learning environment. Describe seating arrangements that promote interaction.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 531 Application Name three factors that contribute to a stimulating atmosphere.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 532 Summary This lesson has presented the importance of knowing your audience before you begin to instruct. Audience information allows you to custom fit your presentation to meet the needs of your students.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 533 Summary This lesson also discussed the importance of the learning environment. Suggested a variety of seating configurations depending upon the instructional objectives. Classroom management skills such as pre- class preparation and establishing ground rules were introduced.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 534 Summary Finally, the principles of active listening, facilitation and other facets of creating an interactive, participatory learning environment were discussed.

IDPH Lead InstructorUnit 535 Creating an Effective Learning Environment Questions?