HELPING RECRUITS WITH LEARNING DIFFICULTIES

摘要

Solid, high-caliber initial training is the basis for a successful fire service career. However, not every recruit is suited to immediately excel in the crucible of recruit training. How your program manages and leads students who have difficulties in the early stages of their training can assist them in meeting the objectives of your program and better equip them to manage their learning experiences throughout their career. Below I offer a framework to identify and address student learning issues successfully. The University of Illinois Fire Service Institute (IFSI) is the statutory state fire academy for Illinois. Since 1977, we have trained 58 classes of recruits at our facility. IFSI recruit training methods are discussed in "Recruit Training from the Ground Up," by Brian R. Brauer, Fire Engineering, March 2003. As you are already aware, not every student learns or processes information in the same manner. Especially in the recruit training environment, the students may have a broad range of ages, backgrounds, and educational and experience levels. They do not yet have the common skills or job foundation to which more experienced firefighters can relate their new experiences. Some recruits struggle in the initial phases of their training. How you manage these challenges and lead these students to success can impact their attitude toward training, their dedication to the job, and their career in general.