The Trainer Guide is a lesson plan for a specific skill set. The four skill sets that comprise the
Personal Assistant Services Curriculum include:
- Connecting
- Coaching
- Collaborating
- Managing Crises
Each lesson plan is divided into five sections:
- Review—Skill set is introduced.
- Overview—Key information about the skill set is presented.
- Presentation—Specific skills are taught.
- Exercise—Trainees’ learning is consolidated.
- Summary—Learning experience is reviewed.
The approach to skill training is Direct Skills Teaching. In a classroom setting, trainees learn how to
perform new skills from:
- The information that the trainer imparts to them about the skill.
- Observing examples of the skills being performed.
- Having opportunities to practice the skill.
In the lesson plan the knowledge presented is written as a “Tell,” the examples as a “Show,” and the
practice opportunities as a “Do.”
Preparation is key in training. Trainers are encouraged to read relevant literature about Personal
Assistant Services as well as recovery and rehabilitation prior to the training. Trainers are
encouraged to learn about the people they will be training, their background, their experiences, and
their settings.
While there is a sample schedule provided with each lesson plan, this is intended as a guide only, and
the trainer will need to give thought to the parameters of the particular training experience as they
plan their training schedule and prepare for the training session.
Training is a process and a trainer’s ability to engage and respond to the trainees in the moment and
to modify the lesson plan as needed is key to a successful training experience. (Authors)