Making Training Relevant

Principles of adult learning indicate that field instructor training will be more relevant to the participants when they have an active role in determining both the content and structure of the training. While existing literature suggests content areas for training curricula, field instructors' perceptions of their training needs have not been studied. In this study, focus groups were held to explore field instructors' perceptions of their training needs and identify relevant content and methods for field instructor training programs. Separate focus groups were held with both new and experienced field instructors. Analysis of the focus group interviews identifies several areas of training needs not regularly addressed in the literature, including advanced content concerning their mission and purpose, concrete educational tools to assist in their supervision, and mentoring by experienced field instructors.