Blended Learning
All of our courses are now run with a blended system. That is, some eLearning (on the computer) in the student’s own time and then the practical skills with an instructor.
The Secret of Effective Training
Our customers continually confirm that our courses are very different from the industry standard.
We realise that staff learn by getting involved and enjoying themselves, not by falling asleep at the back.
All of our courses are designed by professional postgraduate educationalists and use the ‘Active Learning’ methodology to ensure effective learning. We call this the “Marlin Difference”:-
Our 'Active Learning' methodology will ensure that your learning is accelerated and you will remember the skills and knowledge for years to come.
Active Learning
“Active learning” involves the student taking an active part in their own learning. There is no sitting at the back falling asleep in our courses!
Seeing, Hearing and Doing
Considerable research has also shown that people learn best when all of the senses are utilised. In practice, this means: seeing, hearing and touch (ie. doing), since taste and smell are only relevant to a small number of courses, such as cookery.
Our courses therefore have a wide range of learning aids, such as multimedia, instructor demonstrations, course books, discussion and hands on practice with relevant equipment.
Cooperative Practice in a Low Stress Environment
On many hands on courses it is usually a case of “OK, who wants to go first?” followed by each student coming out and demonstrating in front of the class. This is extremely stressful, so instead Marlin students work in groups of two or three with workbooks and any equipment they need. They then help each other to learn while the instructor observes from a distance.
This ‘cooperative learning’ is far more effective as the students have contributed to their own learning.
Students often comment on how our stress free, cooperative learning has helped them develop their skills and confidence.
Plenty of Kit and Visual Aids
We ensure our instructors are properly equipped for the job. Each pair of students gets one mannikin, one AED, one epipen trainer, one major leg injury, etc. That way, students spend valuable classroom time practicing instead of waiting for their turn to try CPR.
We have manufactured our own visual aids, from bleeding legs to open fractures. These are all produced using skin safe silicone, using the same techniques used to produce wounds for film and TV. We never use latex, to remove the risk of allergy. As we make them ourselves, they come in a variety of skin tones, unlike commercial wounds, which are only available in pale tones.
Positive, Fun Learning Environment
Obviously, the instructor will correct bad technique, but students are never told, “No, that’s hopeless, don’t do it that way!”. Such negative reinforcement prevents learning and discourages students from trying their new skills.
Perhaps most importantly we aim for our courses to be fun and if students are not laughing within half an hour then something is wrong.