NCJ Number
114650
Journal
Police Chief Volume: 55 Issue: 12 Dated: (December 1988) Pages: 60-62
Date Published
1988
Length
3 pages
Annotation
The 'pedagogical' model of police recruit training does not lend itself to problemsolving in dynamic situations. The 'andragogical' (adult-oriented) model of training better prepares police recruits to make decisions and solve problems in real-life police situations.
Abstract
The pedagogical model of police training consists of a prepackaged body of knowledge imparted by the instructor to students, who must master it for graduation. Using this model to train police recruits and instructors works against learning that goes beyond the acquisition of technical content. Learners become dependent upon the instructor's own knowledge and experience and do not develop their own critical thought processes. The Los Angeles Police Academy, on the other hand, applies andragogical (adult) learning principles. Regardless of the training area, recruits at the Los Angeles Academy must provide evidence of their learning through performance testing and simulation exercises. Police tasks often involve adapting to changing immediate circumstances. Preparation for such tasks is not served by training that emphasizes one-way classroom lectures. The cognitive aspects of training should be retained, but these must be supplemented by opportunities to apply this knowledge in action and problemsolving. 6 references.