Session 3- Training and Conferences

Question 1

What usually determines the amount of learning on the part of the trainees during a training session?

Answer 1

The amount of learning depends largely on the trainer’s ability to teach effectively and adapt their approach to the audience.

Question 2

When does the need for training police officers end?

Answer 2

Never! The need for training is constant due to changing concepts, theories, and practices.

Question 3

Are the benefits of an effective in-service training program easily measured?

Answer 3

No! The benefits are not immediate or easily measured; they are subtle and long-term.

Question 4

What is meant by the ‘Principle of Readiness’ in the learning process?

Answer 4

It means that the instructor must stimulate the learner’s desire to learn when conditions are favorable.

Question 5

What is meant by the ‘Principle of Effect’ in the learning process?

Answer 5

Success in learning leads to a pleasurable sense of satisfaction, while failure causes frustration.

The instructor should provide opportunities for learners to complete tasks in proper sequence to foster achievement.

Question 6

What is meant by the ‘Principle of Repetition’ in the learning process?

Answer 6

Repetition should be purposeful, improving the learner’s ability through correct practice until they are adept.

Question 7

Do all students learn at the same rate?

Answer 7

No! Factors affecting learning rates include past training, instructor personality, and individual differences.

Question 8

What is one of the greatest spurs to students’ learning?

Answer 8

The recognition that personal or professional growth depends on the effort they expend to improve.

Question 9

Should the instructor generate interest in his students?

Answer 9

Yes! Generating interest is essential for effective learning and depends on internal and external motivations.

Question 10

Can a student improve his speed of learning?

Answer 10

Yes! As motivation and self-assurance increase, speed and accuracy can improve significantly.

Question 11

What is meant by sequential teaching?

Answer 11

Teaching an operation as a whole in the same sequence that will be followed in practice, with exceptions for complex tasks.

Question 12

Should supervisors permit their subordinates to learn via a ‘trial-and-error’ process?

Answer 12

No! This approach can lead to lowered public confidence and morale.

Question 13

What are the two types of instructional goals?

Answer 13

General goals focus on changes in behavior for ultimate job performance, while specific goals target segments of lessons.

Both types must relate to desired changes in behavior or performance.

Question 14

What should be the ‘game plan’ of an instructor?

Answer 14

Develop a logical arrangement of material, use interest-getting techniques, and provide practical examples.

Question 15

What are some accepted teaching principles?

Answer 15

Consider the learner’s perspective, present material logically, and progress from simple to complex, safe to hazardous, and known to unknown.

Question 16

Is rehashing what trainees already know a desirable procedure?

Answer 16

No! It does little to enhance understanding of the subject matter.

Question 17

What is meant by the term ‘learning by association’?

Answer 17

Instructors should relate lesson material to the learner’s background and experiences, especially for unfamiliar topics.

Question 18

What are the five steps in teaching?

Answer 18

1. Introduction 2. Presentation 3. Review 4. Application 5. Test

Question 19

What factors should an instructor be mindful of in developing the ‘introduction’ step of teaching?

Answer 19

The introduction should capture attention, spark curiosity, and establish a readiness to learn.

The ‘A C I D’ test must be passed: Attention - Curiosity - Interest - Desire.

Question 20

What should an instructor be aware of when presenting training material?

Answer 20

Adjust the pace and emphasis of instruction to accommodate individual differences and group abilities.

Question 21

What is included in the ‘application’ part of the ‘5-step’ teaching method?

Answer 21

The learner is given an opportunity to apply what they have learned, with careful supervision to prevent bad habits.

Question 22

What is disclosed in the fifth step - the testing step?

Answer 22

It assesses the learner’s ability and readiness to proceed, measuring the effectiveness of the teacher’s instruction.

Question 23

What are some common causes of teaching ineffectiveness?

Answer 23

Oversimplification, aimlessness, unnecessary material, and lack of competency can hinder effective teaching.

Question 24

Should an instructor have patience when dealing with trainees?

Answer 24

Yes! Patience is extremely important, especially with those who may not grasp the subject as quickly.

Question 25

Why is the lecture method of teaching sometimes ineffective?

Answer 25

It assumes all students progress at the same rate and should be supplemented with teaching aids and engagement techniques.

Question 26

Is it correct to assume that trainees understood material because no questions were raised?

Answer 26

No! Silence may indicate self-consciousness or a desire to remain inconspicuous.

Question 27

Should demonstrations be used in teaching?

Answer 27

Yes! They are particularly useful for teaching manipulative skills in a step-by-step manner.

Question 28

Should an instructor occasionally stimulate discussion among the students?

Answer 28

Yes! Discussion allows students to contribute, evaluate information, and draw conclusions.

Question 29

What is a forum in instructional techniques?

Answer 29

A forum involves presentations by specialists with audience participation, while a panel discussion does not.

Audience questions can clarify issues but may limit content to panel information.

Question 30

What are some types of questions used by an instructor?

Answer 30

Overhead questions directed to the group, relay questions passed from one student to another, and reverse questions thrown back to the asker.

Question 31

Are selected slides a useful training aid?

Answer 31

Yes. A few selected slides studied carefully by the student might provide more learning than the use of many, which may only cause confusion. Students should be prepared in advance to observe important points.

Note-taking during the presentation of a film or slides should NOT be required since it tends to distract attention from the film. Ideally, students should note and discuss key points after the film has been observed.

Question 32

How can a magnetic board be used as a training aid?

Answer 32

Field tactical problems can be simulated by figures representing persons, equipment, buildings, streets, objects, etc., glued to magnetic strips and placed on the board. Students can deploy personnel and equipment as the various exercises indicate.

Problems involving such police incidents as civil disorders, major disasters, barricaded criminals or other unusual occurrences can be simulated to give the student experience in the classroom.

Question 33

What are some advantages of forms?

Answer 33

1. They can be completed quickly.
2. They assure completeness of information.
3. They limit irrelevant or trivial information.
4. They ensure logical organization.
5. They ensure uniformity.

Question 34

What are some disadvantages of forms?

Answer 34

1. They are difficult to design and prepare.
2. They make it difficult to give certain types of information.
3. They are difficult to fill in.

Question 35

In planning a conference, what should be considered regarding each conferee?

Answer 35

1. The knowledge of the material to be discussed.
2. His probable position on important decisions.
3. His personality type.

Question 36

Should an agenda be prepared and distributed before a conference?

Answer 36

Yes! Then the conferees will have time to prepare for the meeting (3 or 4 workdays in advance is recommended).

Question 37

How do you start a conference?

Answer 37

Set the tone of informality - introduce yourself and let the others introduce themselves. Help the participants to get to know each other and try to get them talking.

Question 38

What are some do’s and don’ts regarding conference leadership?

Answer 38

1. Ask rather than state.
2. Suggest rather than order.
3. Encourage everyone to participate.
4. Listen!!
5. Let the members themselves keep things moving.
6. Step in - when necessary.
7. Focus on ideas - no personal attacks.
8. Don’t let one or two people dominate.
9. Don’t hastily overrule the group, try persuasion.
10. Don’t insist on absolute, final decisions if the group is not ready; schedule another meeting.

Question 39

What are 5 recommended public speaking techniques?

Answer 39

1. Refer to the subject, occasion, or audience.
2. Get attention by beginning with something totally unexpected. (Get the audience’s attention!)
3. Use vivid examples.
4. Use appropriate quotations.
5. Try to inject some humor - nearly every human being responds to humor and it arouses attention.

Question 40

What should be remembered regarding informal communications systems?

Answer 40

1. They are ever present and cannot be suppressed without seriously damaging morale.
2. They are notoriously inaccurate - as stories circulate they become very distorted.
3. Casual conversation can be meaningful. It can reflect the morale of the group.
4. Use informal communication to get at people’s candid feelings and opinions.
5. Use the grapevine to facilitate upward the flow of information.
6. Use informal channels to bypass possible roadblocks.
7. Feed the grapevine with useful, accurate information.
8. Keep your door open - encourage direct informal communication with your subordinates.

Question 41

What are the five steps to problem solving?

Answer 41

A-DIME:
A - Analysis: Review all relevant information and documentation; verify problem areas; review options.
D - Develop a Plan: Meet with employee; gain input; generate strategies; discuss consequences; set goals and timelines; end on positive note.
I - Implement: Initiate action plan; remind employee of your availability.
M - Monitor: Hold follow-up meetings with employee; compare progress to goals; make course corrections as needed; document.
E - Evaluate: Assess performance improvement; document progress; reward improvement; institute positive progressive discipline for failure as agreed.