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TOT 183-WEEK 183
“Three distinct ways of learning.”
Trainers may be asked to render their services to assist the trainees in :
- Learning the Basics
- Learning through Refresher Course/s
- Learning through Advanced Training/s
i)Learning the Basics
While giving training in the basics, fundamentals are introduced. Basic concepts, methodologies , techniques and skills will be introduced to the trainees . Trainees will be given inputs as to the theory and practical part of mediation.
In this stage trainers transfer the knowledge and the trainees accumulate knowledge.
They are equipped to make use of the acquired knowledge in the practical situations/actual mediations. Importance is given to equip the trainees with the capacity of Transference.
ii) Learning through Refresher Course
Refresher course helps trainees understand to bridge the gap between theory and practical.
They gain better knowledge. They learn more about the application part . They start strengthening the foundation laid during the basic training. The power of retention gets strengthened through refresher courses. Positive and negative reinforcement parts of learning get strengthened during refresher courses.
iii).Advanced training
This helps trainees finer tune their understanding of the concepts. Their mastery over techniques and skills reaches to the next level. Advanced training can be about different concepts that are part of basic training. It can be about a single concept/technique or skill also.
“What is more to learn..? What is to be learnt ? Why do I learn more about it ? ” – Answers to these questions govern the field of advanced training.
Example:
Concept : Open ended questions
Basic training:
What is an open ended question will be explained. Some examples will be given. Situations where they are to be and not to be asked will be explained.
Refresher course:
Trainers may proceed with a discussion on the following :
Have the trainees been using the “Open ended questions? “. How has it helped the parties in resolving their disputes? In what situations they have found asking open ended questions have not yielded any results.. What are the challenges faced by the mediators while asking open ended questions etc..
The objectives are reinstated.
Some simulation exercises are given to bring in the above said elements, so that participants get clarity, and assimilate theory and practical knowledge.
Advanced course:
In this the objective of Open ended questions are made to be understood at a very deeper level.
- The trainer asks some questions to understand their level of understanding. ( This is generally done before the training.)
- A methodology is designed to give deeper inputs on the topic.
Ex: Point for consideration: i) When and why would an open ended question become a closed ended question for the answerer?
Question: Tell me all that you want to tell me about your relationship for ten long years with your husband before you were separated?
Answer: It was all fine Madam.
ii) What questions need to be asked with an open end? What does the mediator expect to achieve from that? Should such questions be asked outright? Or Should setting an atmosphere has to precede?
How do you get the true advantage of open ended question?
How do you make the question more important for the answerer than for the one who is asking the question?
Do you expect them to answer your open ended question?
Or
Do you expect them to contemplate on the questions and their probable answers ?
When do you ask such questions..?
Do you give a long break or short break..?
Do you ask them to write everything they want to in answer to your question and get back?
Do you explain to them the context in which you are asking the open ended question? ( preparing the mindset to answer the questions? )
Do you explain the benefit they would be getting in answering the questions?
How do you frame the questions?
Which other techniques would you keep in mind while framing a question….
Need to understand the effect of open ended questions.
Level of comprehension of the person from whom the answer is expected?
Time factors to be considered.
Etc..
(Note: The above are not the only aspects to be kept in mind and there are many more. )
As a mediator keeps growing in the profession, he/she may come across disputes that may require deeper understanding of many of the concepts which have just been touched upon at the initial stage/s of learning . Periodical advanced training on each of the concepts equips a mediator to achieve mastery.
Trainers will have to keep in mind at what level they are assisting the trainees . Keeping the clear objective in mind before imparting the training is very crucial.
“Learning is not attained by chance; it must be sought for with ador and attended to with diligence.”
Abigail Adams- Political Influencer and avid reader.
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 