From Scouting magazine online, Feb/Mar 2006
Why waste time on the Adult Training Scheme re-learning what you already know? Thankfully, Tony Harvey discovers that now you don’t have to. In fact, previous skills and experience count for a lot for a prospective adult in Scouting
In a number of ways, the Adult Training Scheme is fundamentally different from what we have had in the past. Yes, we still deliver training to adults, but that training can now be delivered in a way that suits the adult concerned. No longer do they have to wait long periods and then go away for weekends at a time, they can complete the training in a variety of ways: short evening sessions, weekend clusters of modules, one-to-one, by a workbook, video/DVD and by e-learning. They can even skip the training altogether if they can demonstrate that they have done the learning, and used it within a Scouting context.
This is called ‘Accreditation of Prior Learning’ and involves the learner and their Training Adviser. Let’s listen in to a conversation as a Training Adviser, Jim, takes a new Cub Leader, Brian, through his Personal Learning Plan.
Jim (Training Adviser): So, this module (Module 8) is all about the skills we need to lead a Pack. It involves systematic planning and an understanding of different approaches to leadership. Have you ever learned similar skills and techniques in the past?
Brian (Cub Leader): Well, yes. I did some supervisory training in my last job and some basic leadership training as part of my coaching award.
Jim: OK, let’s just talk through what you understand by the key areas involved in the module. Let’s start with systematic planning.
Brian: Well, I guess it means being structured in your planning. For example, as a supervisor I developed daily plans for the work that followed the same steps each time.
Jim: That’s similar to the way we see it, although there is a little more to it. What steps did you follow in the plan?
Brian: Oh, I would start by assessing the situation, then set goals, organise my resources and activities, carry it all out and, lastly, review our success.
Jim: That fits our approach really well. For Scouting, the key is to start with the needs of the young people concerned, and to create goals and plans that develop them, using The Balanced Programme to achieve that. Let’s move on to the approaches to leadership. What do you know about this topic?
Brian: I remember learning about the different things that leaders do and the ways that leaders have to adjust their approach to different situations.
Jim: Have you found ways to use that approach in ‘real life’?
Brian: Well, yes. As a supervisor there were times when I had to concentrate on getting the product out of the door and other times when I had to work with my people. I usually found if I kept them in balance I could keep everybody happy.
Jim: Once again, we are on the same page. In Scouting, because we often work with small groups, it’s important that a Cub Scout Leader can work with teams of adults and young people, as well as with individuals. So, what about different approaches to leadership?
Brian: Just that you can be everything from a firm and autocratic leader, to a very laid back leader, depending on the situation.
Jim: Yes. And the situation is driven by the needs of the people we are leading, and their ability to make their own decisions. Look Brian, it seems you have done most of the learning needed in this module. Let’s skip the training and jump straight to the validation exercises to see if you can apply this learning in a Scouting setting. If there proves to be any gaps in the learning we can always discuss those, rather than repeating everything. Unless of course you want a refresher?
Brian: Well, it would be good to get one or two modules under my belt. Can we try the validation exercises?
Jim: Right. That’s agreed then. Let’s give it a whirl.
And that is what they did!
This approach is respectful of the new adult volunteer and what they bring with them and it builds their confidence. It also does not compromise our standards. We still want to be sure that they have the knowledge and skills we want, and that they can apply them in a Scouting situation, but they don’t have to learn them all from our training. This will surely make it easier for people to get involved in Scouting.
We do recognise that new adult volunteers won’t be able to complete all modules like this. But when they can, lets give it a whirl.
Article kindly contributed by and copyright to the Scout Association. Reprinted from Scouting magazine online Feb/Mar 2006 issue.
