NCJ Number
76734
Date Published
1980
Length
54 pages
Annotation
Written for the police practitioner who presents education and information programs for the community, this guide emphasizes the planning presentation, and implementation of programs for older audiences.
Abstract
The guide notes that programs designed for audience participation, such as those combining narration and films, followed by discussions, have proven to be more effective for many older persons than programs emphasizing formal lecture presentations. In delivering a program to an older audience, the speaker should make ample use of memory cues and visual aids. Preliminary planning involves consideration of several functions: audience assessment, goals and objectives, and program design. In teaching the older population to reduce criminal opportunity, the law enforcement speaker must convey a positive attitude and confident demeanor, to give hope to the older person that help is truly available. A profile of aging describes techniques to enhance communication with the two primary senses of vision and hearing, which often change with age. Teaching procedures are delineated, including factors to consider in learning skills, organization and content of the material, the learning environment, encouraging participation, and teaching guidelines. Delivery methods, such as the use of visual aids and/or audiovisual aids, offer variety to the presentation and can help to prevent misunderstandings. A section on program implementation provides guidelines and general recommendations, supplemented by specific forms and checklists designed to provide the program facilitator with effective, practical tools.