Open Access Open Access  Restricted Access Subscription or Fee Access

Using Experiential Learning Theory to design emergency preparedness training curricula

Ralph Renger, PhD, MEP, Shandiin Wood, MPH, Brenda Granillo, MS

Abstract


The goal of training is to improve the capability to better prepare, respond, and recover from an emergency. Much training is ineffective in transferring learning from the classroom to the field. One reason for this is that training tends to be cognitive or memory based, as opposed to experientially based. The purpose of this article is to show how Experiential Learning Theory (ELT) was applied to develop an emergency preparedness training curricula. After discussing the basic principles of ELT, the application of these principles is illustrated by way of a case example. Although the application of ELT is illustrated in the context of a public health emergency response curriculum, the steps in translating theory to practice are sufficiently robust to apply to the development of any emergency training curricula.

Keywords


training, preparedness, learning theory, experential

Full Text:

PDF

References


Pena C: How much homeland security? Washington Post, March 17, 2008.

HSEEP: Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP). Vol. 1: HSEEP Overview and Exercise Program Management. Washington, DC: U.S. Department of Homeland Security, 2007.

Renger R, Wakelee J, Bradshaw J: The hybrid exercise: Transitioning from discussion-based to operations-based exercises. J Emerg Manage. 2009; 7(4): 51-56.

Rogers CR: Freedom to Learn. Columbus, OH: Merrill Publishing, 1969.

CDC: Centers for Disease Control and Prevention Funding Opportunity Announcement (CDC-FOA). U.S. Department of Health & Human Service, Funding Opportunity Number: CDCRFA- TP10-1001. Atlanta, GA: CDC, 2010.

Kolb DA, Boyatzis RE, Mainemelis C: Experiential learning theory: Previous research and new directions. In Sternberg RJ, Zhang L (eds.): Perspectives on Thinking: Learning and Cognitive Styles. London: Lawrence Erlbaum Associates, 2001: 227-247.

Cress C, Spitzer J, Stephens A, et al.: Enhancing training during public health emergencies: An inclusive just-in-time training (JITT) approach (Technical Report). Multnomah County Health Department. Portland, OR: Graduate School of Education, Portland State University, 2010.

Black PE, Plowright D: A multi-dimensional model of reflective learning for professional development. Reflective Pract. 2010; 11(2): 245-258.

West A, Saunders SG: A humanistic approach to accounting education in South Africa. S Afr J Higher Educ. 2006; 20(5): 718-732.

Nadan M: Service learning partnerships between university and school students: Experiential learning inspired through community research. J Coll Teach Learn. 2010; 7(7): 25-36.

Zhang W, Brundrett M: School leaders’ perspective on leadership learning: The case for informal and experiential learning. Manage Educ. 2010; 24(4): 154-158.

Kolb A, Kolb DA: The learning way: Meta-cognitive aspects of experiential learning. Simulation Gaming. 2009; 40(3): 297-328.

Kolb DA: Experiential Learning. Englewood Cliffs, NJ: Prentice- Hall, 1984.

Herz B, Merz W: Experiential learning and the effectiveness of economic simulation games. Simulation Gaming. 1998; 29: 238- 250.

ASPH: Association of Schools of Public Health (ASPH) Resource Center; 2010. Available at http://preparedness.asph.org/perlc/ resourcereports.cfm. Accessed May 6, 2011.

Centers for Disease Control: Point of Dispensing Standards (PODS); 2008. Available at http://www.cdc.gov/phpr/capabilities/capability8.pdf. Accessed May 6, 2011.

EMI: Operations-Based Exercise Design and Evaluation, E133. Emmitsburg, MD: Emergency Management Institute, FEMA, 2010.

Larkey LK, Hecht ML: A model of effects of narrative as culture- centric health promotion. J Health Commun. 2010; 15(2): 114- 135.

United States Department of Homeland Security: Targeted Capabilities List: A Companion to the National Preparedness Guidelines. Washington, DC: United States Department of Homeland Security, 2007.




DOI: https://doi.org/10.5055/jem.2011.0074

Refbacks

  • There are currently no refbacks.


Copyright (c) 2018 Journal of Emergency Management