Presentation Skills Labelmaster DGS, Chicago, IL September 6, 2017
Patrick Coté National Assistant Manager - Dangerous Goods Quebec and Atlantic Canada 29 years DG experience David Bolton Manager, Dangerous Goods Compliance-ACM 29 years DG experience
of the Classroom Environment
Group discussion • We all have our own horror stories • Relive these experiences with your team • Each team will present their worst experience
What exactly is a HAZMAT EXPERT?
Language ?
English Other? Spanish
In Canada as well as in the USA English may not be the first or even the second language of your students. As course designers and trainers, we just have to…
Classroom Environment
Temperature Control A study placed students in different rooms set at varying temperatures. • Students were given exams and their scores were compared against the • temperature of the room. At 61 degrees , students averaged a score of 76% • At 81 degrees , students averaged a score of 72% • https://www.uscranton.com/resources/teaching-tips/controlling-the-classroom-climate/#.WXuMvxKPOv8
At 72 degrees, the students achieved an average score of 90%
Be Prepared!
Equipment
Distractions Smells Cell Phones HVAC noise Office interruptions (from ducting or HVAC units Lighting Pass through noise Outdoor noise (adjacent rooms or corridors) Outdoor view Noisy chairs or desks
How do you address these issues?
Knowledge Levels Trainer compared to the Student
Selection of a trainer could be based on: - Seniority - Job posting and not by job experience Job experience isn’t a guaranteed solution either. The successful candidate may know how to ship, but that doesn't mean that they know how to teach.
Designated workplace trainers Working with a Hazmat course that was scripted/designed so that ANY workplace trainer could deliver the course, even if they had no experience. A few problems with this: Despite the fact that they can read the script, they may • not understand what they are talking about. Answering questions with, "I'll get back to you on that” • Lack of confidence •
In both cases The solution is a blend of knowledge , experience and training skills. Training skills can be taught , but a natural ability to communicate with their students is essential.
The trainer has to know the subject It is Patrick's and my opinion, that a trainer, should have actual experience of the topic that he or she is teaching. Some of you may disagree.
Training with Powerpoint
Teaching by reading every line on the slide. May not yield the results you are looking for.
Are your students absorbing the information that is being delivered? You have to be vigilant and alert to the nuances. You have to keep your class alive.
How long can you reasonably expect your students to sustain attention in the classroom?
One common belief is that the typical student’s attention span is about 10 to 15 minutes “ You know my attention span is longer than yours, right?”
Trained observers, monitored students during a lecture and recorded perceived breaks in attention. The following lapses in attention were noted: during the initial “settling-in” minutes • again at 10-18 minutes into the lecture • towards the end of the class, as frequently • as every 3-4 minutes. http://teachingcenter.wustl.edu/Journal/Reviews/Pages/student-attention.aspx#.U4ad55RdVHE Johnstone & Percival, 1976
Keep the brain active !
Group discussion How to keep your class alive
STUDENTS We can have the best script, but one student can drag a whole class down. This normally triggers a reaction to teach to the lowest common denominator But is that the only solution ?
Group Discussion Adult Illiteracy Know it all The Sleeper Stress Grumpy Easily distracted I don’t want to be here
In a nutshell
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