TEACHING METHODS COPYRIGHT © 2013 GEORGIA PUBLIC SAFETY TRAINING CENTER

2 Terminal Performance Objective Given the need to present training, the public safety training instructor will utilize teaching methods which will be effective for delivering a specific topic, in accordance with the American Society for Training and Development (ASTD) Learning System.

3 Enabling Objectives Explain factors that determine appropriate teaching methods. Discuss four primary methods of instruction used in public safety and describe the relative value of each. Describe the three stages of the demonstration process. Discuss the tips for an effective group activity.

4 Factors that Determine Appropriate Teaching Methods Type of Learning Audience Learning Styles Number of Learners Media/Training Aids Training Facility/Site Instructor Skill/Style

Four Primary Teaching Methods 5

6 Primary Teaching Methods Lecture – Instructor presents information to the audience with little or no concern for interaction – Instructor-centered rather than learner- centered

7 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Lecture – Advantages can be presented to a large class many ideas in a short time frame material may be basic and provide foundation for later helps eliminate misunderstandings

8 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Lecture (contd) – Disadvantages students cannot ask questions students tend to lose interest only one of the five senses is used no feedback to evaluate learning

9 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Tips for Lecture Method – Organize material progressively and logically. – Make points clear and specific, avoid generalities. – Use language and terminology that is understandable. – Pace yourself - don’t present too much information too fast. – Maintain interest by using stories and examples to illustrate points. – Periodically summarize your teaching points. – Use good speech techniques, and communicate with enthusiasm.

10 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Group Discussion – Instructor acts as leader for motivation and guidance purposes but students must actively participate – Directed toward definite objective

11 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Group Discussion (contd) – Advantages students can ask questions and clarify increases student interest stimulates thinking of students material learned more thoroughly and is retained longer instructor has a better grasp on how much the student is learning

12 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Group Discussion (contd) – Disadvantages not effective with large class fewer points can be presented time control is difficult

13 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Tips for Group Discussion – Plan significant questions that provide structure and direction to the lesson. – Phrase the questions clearly and specifically. – Use Socratic questioning techniques. – Allow students time to think about and answer questions fully. – Keep the discussion focused.

14 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Tips for Group Discussion (contd) – Follow up on students' responses and invite elaboration. – Periodically summarize. – Draw as many students as possible into the discussion. – Do not pose yes/no questions. – Do not pose questions that are vague, ambiguous, or beyond the level of the students.

15 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Group Activity – Learner-centered training approach – Structured, well planned, objective-based activity – Instructor serves as a coach until the review at the end. – Examples: Cognitive Psychomotor Affective

16 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Group Activity – Advantages students actively engaged safe environment for participation stimulates thinking and requires team work material learned more thoroughly/retained longer instructor has a better grasp on student learning and can correct problems immediately

17 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Group Activity (contd) – Disadvantages not effective with large class fewer points can be presented takes significant class time and time control is difficult may require props, equipment or supplies may require additional instructors

18 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Tips for Group Activity – Activities must be well structured and planned for in a manner that does not allow safety issues to arise. – Provide clear, detailed instructions to all students. – Ensure appropriate amounts of props, equipment or supplies for the size group.

19 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Tips for Group Activity (contd) – Design activities so that every team member must be directly involved in the project. – Observe activities to ensure safety and participation by all team members. Intervene when necessary. – Review the group activity/debrief students to stress the key learning points of the activity.

20 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Illustration – Purpose is to show skill/procedure/process or how something works – Should Illustrate the what, why, and how – Can be diagrams, flow charts, video/photo examples

21 ADDIE Model

22 Defensive Tactics Example

23 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Illustration – Advantages helps make explanations concrete/visual appeals to several senses in learner may have dramatic appeal, and intensifies learning even in the absence of the “real” experience helps eliminate misunderstandings gives students overall perspective of a task good substitution for a demonstration

24 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Illustration (contd) – Disadvantages not practical for some subjects requires detailed explanations of the step by step “how-to” of a task Development of illustrations can take an extensive amount of time

25 Primary Teaching Methods (contd) Tips for Illustration Method – Provide detailed illustrations which show all necessary processes/steps. – Clearly explain what the illustration is showing. – Allow students to ask questions/provide clear and specific answers. – Avoid illustrating incorrect steps or processes. – Emphasize correct steps/processes.

26 Demonstration Process Remember the saying I hear ---- I forget I see ---- I remember I do ---- I understand

27 Demonstration Process (contd) I.Instructor Tells The Students Instructor Shows The Students II.Students Tell The Instructor Instructor Shows The Students III.Students Tell The Instructor Students Show The Instructor

28 Demonstration Process (contd) Advantages – helps make explanations concrete/visual – appeals to several senses in learner – has dramatic “real life” appeal, intensifies learning – helps eliminate misunderstandings – gives students overall perspective of a task

29 Demonstration Process (contd) – not practical for some subjects – requires equipment & preparation – size of class may be limited – logistics may be difficult

30 Tips for an Effective Group Activity Students need to see a performance of a new skill before attempting the skill. The demonstration should set a standard of performance. The demonstration should provide a breakdown of activities in order to facilitate learning.

31 Tips for an Effective Group Activity (contd) Students should be prepared for the demonstration by the instructor. The instructor exercises control over the learning during the demonstration. A good demonstration requires a follow through which involves student application under instructor supervision.

32 Tips for an Effective Group Activity (contd) Other Methods for Group Activities – Conference – Panel – Brainstorming – Field Trip – Team Teaching – Case Study – Role Play – Simulations

33 Enabling Objectives Explain factors that determine appropriate teaching methods. Discuss four primary methods of instruction used in public safety and describe the relative value of each. Demonstrate the three stages of the demonstration process. Discuss the tips for an effective group activity.