New Training Concepts

Before we get into this week's training bulletin I am submitting a comment submitted as a follow-up to a previous training bulletin. Thanks to Jeff Janus for the follow-up!

I was just reading the "What's in Your Pocket?" training bulletin. I agree that a Leatherman or similar device is a very versatile tool--however, it may not be enough to cut through cable TV wires and similar obstacles. We also got in the habit of learning where the other members of our shift carry their tools--(in which pocket.) For example, if your partner gets hung up, you might be able to use his wire cutters to free him from an obstacle. Those little snap and shake light sticks are pretty nice to have and so is an extra flashlight.

This week - New Training Concepts

My thoughts for a training bulletin this week are simple ones. I am challenging many of you to go out to your members (and you should do this yourself as well) and think of all of the existing ways that you have been taught a concept, and come up with a simple way to teach it differently and better in the future.

What the hell am I talking about now?????

I was in a discussion this week about how instructors have been just relying on creating PowerPoint slides as they develop new programs. I am an extensive user of PowerPoint as many of you know but as of late I am re-thinking some of that use. There may be more to life and indeed there is so I am challenging you to think of new and creative ways that students can be challenged. Some ideas have been tried and some have yet to be explored.

Here are some starter thoughts...

• Look at the command program Abbottville and it's use of HO scale models to teach tactical operations. Anyone who has participated knows this training experience can be invaluable and memorable and last much longer than a static PowerPoint slide.

• I remember an instructor many years ago talking about the states of matter and how molecules were moving and tightly packed together and so forth. This instructor used a cardboard box filled with ping pong balls and a small compressed air cylinder and added air to vibrate the molecules and let them "off gas" as the moved farther apart from one another etc. It was a dramatic and fun demonstration that I shall never forget.

• What about using rolled pieces of paper to form columns that will hold up large amounts of weight or books. This demonstration shows the compressive strength of building materials in a way that firefighters will always remember.

• Use audio a lot more as it evokes other memories which can make lessons last longer. These can be music files, tapes of radio transmissions, sounds of SCBA or pumps running and many many other ways that can be used to enhance the training experience and make the lesson stick.

• Using models, or other forms of media can be an extremely effective form of training and we should not just crank out another PowerPoint presentation for every subject. It has it's uses and I will continue to use it whenever I can but the training officer should not only rely on that as the only method to reach students. Be creative think about everything that you can use to make a point.

• Share your best ideas!