LESSON 2
PRINCIPLES OF EFFECTIVE MILITARY INSTRUCTION: THE INSTRUCTOR,
BASIC PRINCIPLES OF EDUCATION, EFFECTIVE STUDY TECHNIQUES
Section I. THE INSTRUCTOR
2-1.
INTRODUCTION
a. Organization of This Lesson. Effective training depends heavily on a
trainer's ability to communicate with his students. As noted in the preceding lesson, the
communication process is much more than giving instruction. Whether the learners are
a small group, a large group, or perhaps a single individual, the principles governing this
process require your careful study.
b. The Effective Instructor. Throughout this lesson, keep in mind that anyone
can give effective instruction. There is no such person as a "born instructor" nor is there
a "teaching personality." The effective instructor is one who learns the rules and puts
forth the effort. If you want your students to learn, make the effort and work at being a
good instructor. You will become both proficient and effective.
2-2.
GENERAL
The success of medical personnel in the Army depends on the effectiveness of
the instruction they receive. The plan of instruction can be very well written, but still not
be learned. The presentation of the training in that plan depends on having well-trained
instructors who can do more than just read the lesson. The effective instructor knows
his subjects and knows how to present them. The instructor is the foundation of
training.
2-3.
CHARACTERISTICS OF A GOOD INSTRUCTOR
a. Knowledge of His Subject. The instructor must know his subject if he is to
teach it to others.
(1) Experience + current medical information. Instructors should have both
field or hospital experience and a thorough knowledge of applicable medical literature.
An instructor is mistaken if he assumes that field or hospital experience alone will give
him sufficient knowledge to teach without further preparation and continuous study of
current medical literature.
(2) Depth of knowledge. Field or hospital experience should enable the
instructor to evaluate the material in medical journals and present it realistically to
soldiers. He should know more about his subject than he will have time to teach, and
he should be prepared to answer almost any question on the subject.
MD0560
2-2