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TOT 134-WEEK-134
O-U-T
“Observe- Understand- Train”
Getting trained as a mediator involves lots of skill learning.
No one can learn a skill without doing. Doing is the essential part of learning a skill. Repeated doing is the essence of mastering any skill.
Whatever be the amount of theoretical inputs given to the trainees during forty hours’ training or during refresher or advanced courses, at the end of the day, if the trainers go through the feed back given by the trainees, they come to know that trainees honestly and sincerely mention that they have learnt more from practical sessions than from sessions on theoretical aspects. It however does not mean that theoretical part is not important. What is to be gathered here is that ‘there has to be a perfect synergy between theoretical and practical knowledge ‘.
Mediation training involves two parts in equipping the trainees with required skills:-
- Instruction Part
- Doing Part.
Instruction part :-
This part is taken care of by the trainers.
- Observation:
Trainer observes the trainees doing the role play/ or actual mediations.
- Understanding
Trainer understands where the trainee is going wrong. Understands the level of understanding of the trainee. Understands where is the gap between ‘theory and practicals’. Understands what should have been done and what is not being done.
- Training the trainee
Trainer repeats what was said/ done by the trainee.
Trainer gives constructive feed back to the trainee based on trainer’s observation and trainer’s understanding.
Trainer demonstrates the right approach.
II. DOING PART
This part is to be taken care of by the trainees.
a)OBSERVATION
Trainee observes what is demonstrated by the trainer.
b) Understanding
Trainee corrects his/her understanding .
c)Training
Trainee offers himself/herself to repeat whatever is shown to be the correct approach, and works methodically to catch hold of the skill.
ADVANTAGES:-
Using the technique of “O-U-T” in training helps both the trainer and trainees to be on track.
They do not waste their time.
Trainer demonstrates the understanding by way of single line feed back. Trainee understands the same .
Trainee gets corrected then and there.
Trainee gets hold of the skill by ‘doing’ on the spot.
WHERE DOES THIS “O-U-T TECHNIQUE” NOT WORK?
When the trainer gives feedback, some trainees get into argumentative mode. They try to justify how they are right . They try to convince the trainer that “ Why they did what they did”. And, in the process more time gets consumed.
When the trainees start arguing with the trainer, some trainers get into explanatory mode, and lots of time gets consumed, and at times chaos is created.
It is better not to continue with “O-U-T” technique in such situation/s.
How to avoid this?
A pre briefing, before commencing the role play /live mediation about what is going to be done by the trainer, and what is to be done by the trainee may help in addressing the aforesaid situation.
Trainer should give repeated commands to himself/herself not to get into explanatory mode.
How is this technique used in live mediations?
Trainer uses a note pad.
Passes on single line observations.
Suggests corrective measures with minimal words.
“The secret of getting successful work out of your trained men lies in one nutshell- in the clearness of the instructions they receive.”
(Robert Baden -Powell- Write – British Army Officer- Founder & First Chief Scout of World-wide “Scout Movement”.)
(All Copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 