Gary HeglandAssociate Research Fellow

Small Urban & Rural Transit CenterNorth Dakota State University

Fargo, North Dakota

What is our primary purpose in

conducting training in the transit

environment?

“What I hear, I forget;What I see, I remember;But what I do I understand.”

-Confucius, 451 BC

0 20 40 60 80 100

Read

Hear

See

Hear & See

Say

Say & Do

Retention

Retention

For teaching—Knowledge ◦ To facilitate a good discussion& disseminate

information

For training—Skill ◦ To demonstrate the proper techniques

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Know your subject and prepare wellProvide relevant instructionCreate a safe learning environmentUse a variety of teaching methodsEvaluate constructivelyBe sensitive to individual concerns and responsive to feedback

Listening

Evaluation

Variety

Knowledge & Preparation

Relevance

Safety

Interactivity

◦ The Six P’s of an Effective Presentation

Proper Presentation and Practice, Prevents Poor Performance

“People are born with intrinsic motivation, self-esteem, dignity, curiosity to learn, joy in learning.”

-Dr. Edwards Deming

Why have we lost it?-Taught primary by lecture-Taught in extremely large groups-Tested, threatened & shamed…

1. As a person matures, his/her self-concept moves from that of a dependent personality toward one of a self-directing human being.

2. An adult accumulates a growing reservoir of experiences, which is a rich resource for learning.

3. The readiness of the adult to learn is closely related to the developmental task of his/her social role.

4. There is a change in time perspective as people mature from future application of knowledge to immediacy of application. An adult is more problem-centered than subject-centered in learning.

Self-directedConditioned by life experienceProblem-centeredMotivated by self-interest

If adults recognize that a learning activity is relevant and will benefit them in a tangible way, they will set aside their resistance to learning.

Make certain that what we teach our students will further their

personal or professional goals

Create an environment where adult learners feel comfortable & safe…or they will

◦ Fight◦ Flee◦ Freeze

If any of this happens…there will be no learning

Discuss handouts

* Demonstration* Simulation* Anecdotes & scenarios* Writing exercise* Small group discussion* Interactive lecture* Audio/visual

Is the most common teaching method◦ take your time

◦ be thorough

◦ you must pace yourself

◦ allow time for practice

Is an exercise in duplication

Role playing

An airplane simulator

Wheel chair tie-down

Anecdotes: describes a real-life situation that sheds light on the instructional material

Scenarios: convey information & test knowledge

Effective way to get students to organization their thoughts

To conduct group discussion you must understand the principle of group dynamics

Forming◦ The initial stage when members come together

Storming◦ When the participants recognize the value of the session

Norming◦ When individual issues are resolve & individuals start working

togetherPerforming

◦ Final stage, the group functions as a unit and they work together productively

This promotes involvement by:Prepare thoroughly, use note cards, do not readSpeak loud, clear, slowly so everyone understandsAvoid turning your back to the audienceDon’t create or allow distractionsUse body movement to keep people’s attention & focusPay attention to group dynamicsHave fun, but be instructive.

The skills of seeking an interactive audience

Encourage interaction and questionsRespond very well to the first questionObserve non-verbal behaviorRemind group there is no stupid questionParaphrase question before answeringPause after calling for questionsNever ask for questions just prior to breaksDon’t imply that you are rushed for time!

Videos & PowerPoint presentations must be high qualityDon’t put all your information in the PowerPoint and read to the classChose videos that are relevant, innovative, visually pleasing, and memorable

GuidelinesBe objective, don’t favor friendsUse the C-R-C Method

give one or two Commendations then one or two Recommendations finally a strong Commendation

Display honesty & sincerity Regardless of quality,

be professional build confidenceshow respect

Even instructors have 2 ears and 1 mouthBe prepared to hear some criticismEncourage feedback to improve your performanceConsider conversation, body language, and innuendos

There are six principles to effective to professional trainingMake presentation relevant and problem solvingCreate and environment conducive to learning

Always use more than one method of teaching in every teaching situation.Be honest, careful & constructive in your evaluationsListen to your students