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Redefining Training

NCJ Number
163952
Author(s)
A D Wiechmann
Date Published
1996
Length
3 pages
Annotation
Police administrators need to train all their personnel in community policing and should use methods that not only present material effectively but also plan activities that reinforce the information just transferred.
Abstract
Police instructors looking for lesson-plan material can easily find information. However, police agencies often overlook the need to reinforce the material through activities. Instructors also need to understand that training is the introduction and improvement of skills necessary to complete a task, whereas teaching means presenting abstract concepts and following up with explanations and exercises regarding how those concepts relate to students' responsibilities. Adult learning should combine quality content and effective assimilation processes such as experimentation, cognitive reflection, and practical application. Learn-by-doing techniques are effective ways of training adults. Therefore, instructors should include some type of active involvement every 20 minutes; involve the five senses; include purposeful activity; and combine verbal, visual, and hands-on activity. In addition, police managers need to promote a setting that ensures that employees have the proper attitude for effective learning. Address and telephone number from which to obtain further information