Jackie29

Hi Heidi I agree with you about large mixed groups however, the optimum number of student to 1 trainer is best set at 12 and with a small group you can achieve a 'community' atmosphere in a very short time, it also allows the trainer to be able to identify slower or less capable students thus allowing the trainer to decide who is to be grouped with whom. I also find it better to let them initially choose a partner but as the course develops I changed them around to ensure everyone mixes and works together. I think it is a case of experimenting and finding out what works well and improve on any areas that are not successful. Course critiques quite often enable you to do that sort of analysis. Regards Jackie

Hi all I am from anglesey in north wales and am a first aid instructor Regards Jackie

Hi Guys just joined the forum and interested to read the discussion on 'making training more fun'. When I start a course of 'strangers' I like to get students to introduce themselves and tell us about any previous training they have had and also tell the group about any personal experiences of carrying out first aid, these are not my war stories they are theirs. I think this helps them to relax get to know a bit about each other and more importantly enable me to establish the level of knowledge within the group. Establishing prior knowledge is important because during the training I split the class into smaller workable groups and am able to get a good mix of experience and inexperience in each group. We also use a lot of casualty simulated scenarios for the students to simulate and treat, this aides learning by making wounds, acting as a casualty and acting as the first aider. Following each groups scenario we finish by have personal, peer and tutor feedback which is very effective and encourages the students to do better on the next scenario. Many years ago I used to teach in a very theoretical way but in recent years have realised that the students no matter what their level of learning is, all learn better from hands on practical training, it also makes it more fun for the instructor. That's me rabbiting on :oops: I hope this is of some use regards to all Jackie