Chapter 1 Challenges of Fire and Emergency Services Instruction

Education and Training Function Ensures that all personnel conduct emergency and nonemergency operations in a safe, effective, efficient and consistent manner

Education and Training Terminology Education and training are often used interchangeably Education Generally accepted as the acquisition of knowledge, usually through academic means Training Primarily the transfer of knowledge regarding vocational or technical skills

Education and Training Responsibilities of the training division Evaluate training requirements Develop a training program Determine funding resources Determine alternative training resources Evaluate training program results

Education and Training Responsibilities of training officers Curriculum and lesson plan development Course content delivery Must meet the JPR’s established in NFPA 1041 Standard for Fire Service Instructor Professional Qualifications

Instructor Obligations Instructors are professionals in two areas 1) Teachers for students in both internal and external classes Adult education Public education 2) Members of the fire and emergency service profession Must be able to apply knowledge and skills

Instructor Obligations Instructors Carry twice the burden Teacher Practitioner Increases their base knowledge Meet a standard based on a high level of personal performance

Instructor Obligations Instructor profession Requires specialized knowledge Long, intense preparation 1) Learn scientific, historical or scholarly principles 2) Maintain high standards of personal achievement and conduct 3)Commit to continued study and educational advancement

Instructor Obligations Obligation to students Instructor’s primary obligation is to the student Focus on the needs and abilities of students at all times Must provide information that is current, accurate, and specific to students’ needs Must plan, develop and deliver training that is appropriate for the students

Instructor Obligations Obligation to students Must measure the student’s knowledge and skills Based on valid criteria Maintain consistency

Instructor Obligations Obligation to students Provide student feedback Grades Assessments Performance evaluations Important for transferring learning to job performance

Instructor Obligations Obligation to students Meet the expectations of students Be an effective communicator Be a good listener Present new knowledge in a positive manner Be a role model, mentor, and counselor

Instructor Obligations Obligation to students Safety of the student Most important obligation Provide a safe training environment Teach safe operational practices Teach safety-related topics Fulfill the duties of incident safety officer during evolutions Be a good role model

Instructor Obligations Obligation to the organization Emergency services is a constantly changing profession Must monitor changes and apply them to the needs of the organization Revisions in standards and laws Improvements in equipment Updates in protocols and procedures

Instructor Obligations Obligation to the organization Plan inter-organizational training programs Broaden knowledge and skills Enhance cooperation Ensure that current professional standards are adopted and applied Teach to meet organizational goals

Instructor Obligations To the profession Sustain the positive image of a firefighter Use sound judgment and logic in making decisions Apply ethical and moral principles Adhere to all laws, standards, protocols, and rules

Instructor Obligations To themselves Continue professional development Look for opportunities to learn and improve Continuing education

Instructor Obligations To themselves Maintain instructor skills Teach classes and seminars Facilitate discussion groups and workshops Belong to professional organizations

Instructor Obligations To themselves Maintain a network with other instructors Earn professional certification Maintain management skills Maintain technical skills

Instructor as a Role Model Instructors have opportunities to influence actions and ideas Must be a positive influence Begins with new recruits Continues through the ranks

Instructor as a Role Model Instructors are typically the first official representative Role model for new students Influences their learning experiences Highly visible to students Observed by students

Instructor as a Role Model Instructors communicate the performance expectations Training situations Learning experiences Training must meet mission statement

Instructor as a Role Model Instructors must be effective communicators Application of knowledge Interpersonal skills Interaction with people on an individual or small group basis Must be a good listener

Instructor as a Role Model Instructors must be effective communicators Application of knowledge Oral communication Involves more then speaking in the classroom Develop a central idea Prepare Practice Deliver Create dialogue with class

Instructor as a Role Model Instructors must be effective communicators Application of knowledge Written communication Writing letters and memos s Reports Lesson plans

Effective Instructor Characteristics Ability to inspire people to follow your examples Leadership abilities Strong interpersonal skills Subject and teaching competencies Desire to teach Enthusiasm Motivation

Effective Instructor Characteristics Ability to inspire people to follow your examples Preparation and organization Ingenuity, creativity and flexibility Empathy Conflict-resolution skills Fairness Personal integrity

Effective Instructor Characteristics Leadership abilities Effective instructors must be effective leaders Provide appropriate Learning opportunities Examples Ideas Enables students to take the lead

Effective Instructor Characteristics Leadership styles AutocraticDemocraticLaissez-Faire ControllingMinimal controlNo control Makes all decisionsInvolves studentsMakes no decisions Work-orientatedBalanced concernsPeople-orientated What is the best style to use?

Effective Instructor Characteristics Additional leadership qualities Self-confidence Trustworthiness Consistency Responsibility Acceptance Expertise

Effective Instructor Characteristics Strong interpersonal skills Clarity The ability to precisely and clearly explain concepts and processes Sensitivity The ability to view the learning environment from the student perspective and recognize barriers Fair and impartial To all students

Effective Instructor Characteristics Subject and teaching competencies Instructors must have background knowledge and experience Instructors must continually learn Responsible instructor

Effective Instructor Characteristics Desire to teach Instructors can only improve teaching skills through Experience Study Professional development Desire effects performance and motivation

Effective Instructor Characteristics Enthusiasm Its contagious Created through the following Lively and varied vocal delivery High energy levels Obvious love of teaching Obvious love of the subject matter

Effective Instructor Characteristics Motivation Required to achieve goals Clearly communicate what must be performed and how Show students the importance of the information Make the knowledge and skills easy to understand Allow for mistakes as students practice and improve Encourage students Reward successful attempts Correct unsuccessful attempts

Effective Instructor Characteristics Ingenuity, creativity, and flexibility Effective instructors understands that not everybody learns the same Use various training aids Supplemental material Be flexible to make rapid changes

Effective Instructor Characteristics Empathy The ability to understand the feelings and attitudes of another person Empathic instructors have a strong desire to help individuals learn Not condescending or punitive Do not act superior or threatening

Effective Instructor Characteristics Conflict-resolution skills May have to resolve disputes Between individuals and / or the organization In the class On evaluations and tests With many types of personalities and responsibilities

Effective Instructor Characteristics Fairness Treating all students equally Provide the same learning opportunities Evaluate against objective standards

Effective Instructor Characteristics Personal integrity Based on the values and morals of the individual Personal code of ethics Maintain student respect

Teaching Traits to Emphasize Honesty versus bluffing Instructors must always truthful and honest Students prefer instructors who are willing to admit that they do not know But willing to find out the correct information

Teaching Traits to Emphasize Sincerity versus sarcasm Sincerity Personal quality of being open and truthful Sarcasm Language that may be insulting, demeaning, or scornful

Teaching Traits to Emphasize Solutions versus complaints Few instructors work under ideal conditions Complaining accomplishes nothing Creates negative impression Actions used to minimize problems Prepare lesson plans in advance Inspect equipment before class Arrange for appropriate assistance Have alternate backup plans prepared

Teaching Traits to Emphasize Inspiration versus intimidation Inspiration will get best results Intimidation does not stimulate the student to learn Intimidating tactics Fear Stress Bullying Insecurity

Teaching Traits to Emphasize Positive humor versus offensive humor Humor can add emphasis to and create interest Makes learning enjoyable and memorable Students should be allowed to express their personality Ensure that they do not offend others Constant humor can make learning ineffective

Instructor Challenges Multiple PrioritiesManagement Directives Diverse StudentsSafe Training Environments Organizational ApathyProfessional Development Multiple ChangesCourse Schedules Cooperative RelationshipsFunds and Resources Organizational PromotionQualified Instructor Recruitment

Instructor Challenges Multiple priorities Having to do more with fewer personnel Duties beyond teaching and course development Administrative duties Logistics duties Health and safety officer duties

Instructor Challenges Diverse students Instructors must recognize, appreciate, and respect the differences in their students Broaden their knowledge through diversity training Students are products of their ethnic, racial, family, and cultural backgrounds Students respond and learn based on this heritage

Instructor Challenges Organizational apathy Organization may not always be supportive of training Lack of interest or concern May be thought that funds could be better used somewhere else Instructors may have to overcome apathy and replace it with respect

Instructor Challenges Multiple changes “The only thing constant is change” Responsibility of instructors to accept change Advocate to promote change Part of teaching is to bring organizational change Be careful consumers of information Education Research Development

Instructor Challenges Cooperative relationships Hire or contract with outside instructors Work with personnel from other organizations Planning and implementing joint training programs Provide consulting services and training to other organizations

Instructor Challenges Organizational promotion Instructors must promote the benefits and assets of the organization and its training program Public Organizations Agencies

Instructor Challenges Management directives Instructors must adhere to the management directives May conflict with personal beliefs Instructors must be flexible and adaptable Accept the challenge Strive to understand Cooperator or work for a compromise

Instructor Challenges Safe training environments Instructors must know local, state, and federal safety regulations Training Live fire evolutions Hazardous materials Confined space

Instructor Challenges Professional development Effective instructors continue to learn Continuing education Professional development opportunities Adult education methodology Time and stress management Human resource Self-directed study

Instructor Challenges Course schedules Fire and emergency services have a unique challenge Increase in state and federally mandated training Increase in the complexity of topics Addition of more courses provided to the public Increase in emergency responses Decrease in active duty personnel Decrease in participation in volunteer organizations Increased competition for available time

Instructor Challenges Funds and resources When local funds are low, training programs may be the first to lose their funding But government mandates requiring training continue Some creative methods of meeting goals Develop cooperative relationships with other training organizations Seek funding from new resources Raise funds by providing training to other agencies

Instructor Challenges Qualified instructor recruitment Important that instructors assist in locating talented and knowledgeable applicants Primary source of applicants Internal to the organization Already familiar with skills, abilities, and knowledge

Instructor Reference Checklist Analyses Situations, equipment, courses, and information

Instructor Reference Checklist Instructional facilities, props, and acquired structures

Instructor Reference Checklist Instructional facilities, props, and acquired structures

Instructor Reference Checklist Diversity issues

Instructor Reference Checklist Legal requirements and accommodations

Instructor Reference Checklist Audience recognition