Teaching EDGE
From MeritBadgeDotOrg
The Trainer Development Conference has been replaced with the new Trainer’s EDGE. The Trainer’s EDGE uses contemporary training techniques and emphasizes the importance of experiential learning, or "learning by doing." Most of the sessions not only demonstrate good training methods, but also give participants a chance to interact and actually practice what they have learned.
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Overview
The Trainer’s EDGE replaces the Trainer Development Conference (BSA 500) as the required train-the-trainer course for Wood Badge and NYLT staffs. The purpose of the Trainer’s EDGE course is to provide and help develop the platform skills of a trainer. It is meant to supplement the practice offered through Wood Badge and NYLT staff development, with a focus on the participant, while raising the level of skill a trainer brings to the staff experience. Only practice can polish these skills, but this course is intended to “train the trainer” on behaviors and resources while offering hands-on experience in methods and media.
This is part of a continuous process of updating trainers with the latest training methods, principles, and technologies. This conference is mainly for Scouters who will be delivering training to adult leaders as well as to the young people in Scouting.
All trainers, including pack trainers, should participate in a trainer development conference. The council usually offers the conference as a one-day event. Your district training chair can provide details on the date and location of the next conference.
Pre-course Preparation
Staff Selection
The Trainer’s EDGE course should be delivered by a staff of experienced trainers. Staff size will vary according to the number of participants, but an excessive number of trainers is not required or encouraged. At least one staff member should be assigned to each patrol. Diversity among staff members is strongly recommended. Staff should be correctly uniformed to set the example. Combining youth and adult staff is encouraged and highly desirable.
Patrol Size
Patrols should be limited to no more than six members to ensure that participant practice sessions stay within the time allotted for the course. Participant Presentations. In Module 4, each participant will make a presentation to the patrol on a Scouting topic of their choice. The topic they select should be broad enough to allow the presenter to apply the learning from the morning sessions.
They should have been told to bring any material or equipment they need for their presentation with them to the Trainers EDGE course. At the beginning of the session, have them stow their materials away until they get to use them. Because the intent of the activity is to have participants incorporate the morning’s learning into their presentations, it is highly unlikely that they will be able to use their presentation as they prepared it.
Patrol Presentations
These presentations are simple in nature. Presentations may include PowerPoint, flip charts or hands on activities like rope. Presentations can include topics like:
- an FOS Presentation,
- a "How to tie a bowline" demonstration
- a review of the Scout Oath and Law and their meaning
- How to whip a rope, or
- any other Scouting skill that can be presented in a 10 minute presentation.
What does EDGE mean?
- Explain how it is done - Tell them
- Demonstrate the steps - Show them
- Guide learners as they practice - Watch them do it
- Enable them to succeed on their own - Use memory aids, practice it, they teach it
- See: The Trainer’s EDGE for details..
See also
Online or classroom Leader Training
Youth protection (MANDATORY) – every registered adult must be re-certified every year at my.scouting.org, where they can also complete the following courses:
- Before the First Meeting
- First 30 Days
- Position Trained
- Other training opportunities: Roundtable – University of Scouting – Teaching EDGE
Outdoor Leader Training
In addition to fulfilling other requirements, some unit leaders need outdoor-specific training.
- BALOO – To have a Pack campout, or a Webelos Den campout, at least one unit leader must be BALOO trained.
- Introduction to Outdoor Leader Skills – Scoutmasters and Assistant Scoutmasters -- at least one must be trained to have a campout.
- Wood Badge – Advanced Leadership skills for Cub Scout, Boy Scout, Venturing, district and council Scouters.
- Seabadge – Advanced Leadership skills for unit, district and council Sea Scouters.
Other outdoor-related links
External links
- The Trainer’s EDGE 74 Page Manual
- BSA Training Courses
- Training Continuum An overview of training for Boy Scout leaders that covers the journey from Fast Start to Wood Badge.
- Supplemental Training
Presentation resources:
- Cub Scout: Communicating Belt Loop & Pin - Webelos: Communicator - Merit Badges: Public Speaking - Communication
- Speeches & Presentations: How to Choose a topic - How to Write a Speech - How to Give a Speech - Ideas from eHow
- Lesson Videos: ExpertVillage: Giving a Speech - Public Speaking Tips - Public Speaking - Eye Contact - Hand Gestures - Props
