Page 34 - SafeCert Approved First Aid for Mental Health at Work (Level 3) | Trainers Manual
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Teaching
Managing your group effectively
Teaching
This can be one of the most difficult aspects of training. You will very likely have at least 12
candidates on your course, depending on the subject. All of them will have different personalities
and come from different backgrounds. Your job is to help them complete your course, successfully.
As you progress through the course your group dynamic will alter and progress through various
phases.
The Formal Stage
This is when a loose mix of individuals comes together. Each member of the group has an individual
learning style and their own expectations for the training. There may also be levels of nervousness,
especially if individuals have not experienced the classroom setting since ‘school days’.
Be friendly and welcoming to each candidate. Make the room comfortable and give the needed Administration
information. Making them relaxed will help at this stage.
The Informal Stage
Occurs as the group begins to relax. They will probably start
addressing each other by name. They are more willing to
share experiences and some candidates will begin to pair
up.
The trainer can ask if the whole group is alright and perhaps
change groups around. Having small group activities can
help at this stage.
The Self Managing Stage Lesson Plans
Is when the group has been together for some time and are now
learning to value each other. At this stage, groups begin to nominate
individuals with specific strengths (i.e. one person does the writing as
‘their writing is neater’). The group begins to actively use individual
strengths.
The trainer needs to be actively promoting the interests of the quiet
members of any group. It is easy at this stage for confident individuals
to become the ones only that are heard.
It is your responsibility to cater for all members of the group with their particular, individual learning
styles.
Handouts
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