EP 36 “Scenario Training and the Pedagogical Shift” with Professor Chris Cushion

Professor Chris Cushion discusses the transformation of police personal safety training using scenario-based training, emphasizing the need for a pedagogical shift and the integration of decision-making and skill acquisition within tactical contexts. He addresses the challenges of implementing change and the disparity between traditional training models and the gold standard of scenario-based training. The conversation delves into the importance of implicit learning, the flaws of front-loading skills, and the need for contextualized practice. The role of instructors in coaching through scenarios and the limitations of traditional debriefs are also highlighted. Professor Cushion discusses the transformation of police personal safety training using scenario-based training, highlighting the challenges, evidence, and impact of the new approach. Dr. Cushion also addresses the cultural and political dilemmas in implementing change and the adoption of the new training model by the College of Policing in England and Wales. Takeaways: The need for a pedagogical shift in police training towards scenario-based training that integrates decision-making and skill acquisition within tactical contexts. The importance of implicit learning and the flaws of front-loading skills in traditional training models. The role of instructors in coaching through scenarios and the limitations of traditional debriefs in police training. The challenges of implementing change and the disparity between traditional training models and the gold standard of scenario-based training. Scenario-based training offers a more effective approach to police personal safety training, focusing on performance versus learning and practice design. Cultural and political dilemmas present challenges in implementing change in police training, requiring a shift in policy frameworks and police culture. The College of Policing in England and Wales has adopted the scenario-based training model, with a focus on standardization and evidence-based impact assessment. The transformation of police training involves re-culturing trainers and learners, overcoming the influence of past experiences and embracing a new pedagogical approach. The pending study comparing the linear technique-based model with the scenario-based model is expected to provide valuable insights into the impact of the new training approach.