maryland fire & rescue presentation 2008

“Trainer Toolbox Upgrade”

Dr. Greg WilliamsDr. Greg Williams

April 5, 2008April 5, 2008

Dr. Greg Williams

• Director & Clinical Assistant Professor

• University Maryland, Baltimore County

• Instructional Systems Development

• gregw@umbc.edu• www.umbc.edu/isd

Agenda – Part 1

Introduction & Overview

Adult Learning Principles & Exercise

Instructional Strategies, Learner Engagement

& Exercise

BREAK

Agenda - Part 2

Informal Learning & Exercise

Real Problems Exercise (as instructors)

Resources

Wrap-Up & Closing Thoughts

Class Assessment & Concerns Exercise

Real Problems or Challenges

• Teaching & learning related• Write on index card• We’ll use later this morning

Opening Video

“When you have a bad day, somebody dies”

• Firefighter Lt. “Bull” McCaffrey to his “probie” younger brother Brian McCaffrey in the movie “Backdraft”

Adult Learning Principles

Quiz on Adult Learners

• Characteristics of adult learners?• How do adults learn best?• Motivators for adult learners?• Impact on teaching & learning?

Adult Learner Characteristics

Adult Learner Characteristics

• Wealth of experience & knowledge• Established values, beliefs & opinions• Self-directing• Relate new content to old content• Want to apply what they learn• Problem-centered learning orientation

Adult Learning Principles:Motivation

• Life changing events• Have direct 7 specific needs•Want meaningful & relevant content• Outcome & goal-oriented• E.g. Alzheimer’s & MCI

Adult Learning Principles:Motivation

• Self-directed, but not isolated• Have rich experience• Have specific needs• Want to apply what they learn

Adult Learning Principles:In the Classroom

• Comfortable climate

(physically & psychologically)• Learn from peers (instructor too)• Instructor as teacher & facilitator

Adult Learning Principles:In the Classroom

• Reinforcement, rewarded are learned best, e.g. participation• Interaction is a key• Feedback

ExerciseEveryone is a Teacher

Instructional Strategies

Instructional Strategies

• Way to achieve learning objective• Should appeal to different learners• Preferred learning style (e.g. lobster)• Effective strategies engage learners

Instructional StrategiesExamples

• Case study• Drill & practice• Debates• Discussion• Field trips/observation• Games

Instructional StrategiesExamples

• Group projects• Labs• Lecture• Panel discussion• Problem-based learning

Instructional StrategiesExamples

• Questioning techniques• Role play• Scaffolding• Simulations• Storytelling

ExerciseInstructional Strategy

Video Critic

ExerciseInstructional Strategy

In the News

Instructional StrategiesStories & Emotions

Instructional StrategiesStories & Emotions

• Meaningful & relevant • Deepest learning linked with emotions• Usually one of life’s lessons • e.g. Mike’s joyride,

Learner Engagement

Learner Engagement

Learner Engagement

Learner Engagement

• What is it• Importance• Link to adult learning principles• Link to instructional stragtegies• Active involvement• Feedback

Learner Engagement

• M.I.T.’s Dr. Walter Lewin

Lecture

Lecture & PowerPoint

If You Must Lecture

• Grab their attention at the start• State objectives• Don’t read notes/slide verbatim• Ask periodic questions• Mix with other instructional strategies• Keep to minimum, 15-20 min max

If You Must Lecture

• Use examples• Play devil’s advocate• Use props, graphics, slides• Incorporate stories• State objectives• Summarize main points at end

Evaluation

The 2 minute evaluation

Informal Learning

Informal Learning

"The best learning happens in real life with real problems and real people and not in classrooms."

Charles Handy

Informal Learning VideoVideo

Informal Learning

• Most learning not learned in class• Learning is process, not an event• Learning is social• People love to learn, but hate to be taught

Informal Learning

• Will grow with technology• Conditions that support• Impact on classroom teaching• How can we use it?

Peer Consultation Exercise in Informal Learning

Obstacles Exercise

Real Problems Exercise(as an instructor)

Resources & Tools

Questions & Discussion

Closing Thoughts

• Your job is very important• “Winter Cruise in Upstate NY”• We could be heros

Dr. Greg Williams

• Director & Clinical Assistant Professor

• UMBC• 410-455-6773• gregw@umbc.edu• www.umbc.edu/isd