NCJ Number
226937
Journal
Journal of Alcohol and Drug Education Volume: 53 Issue: 1 Dated: April 2009 Pages: 16-34
Date Published
April 2009
Length
19 pages
Annotation
Findings are presented from a study evaluating the effectiveness of a Train-the-Trainer workshop (providing drug prevention education), specifically the standardizing of the “presenter” variable and the comparative effectiveness of peer versus adult trainers.
Abstract
The study demonstrated that it was possible to formulate, successfully implement, and evaluate a protocol to standardize the “presenter” variable when comparing peer and adult leaders of drug prevention programs. The Train-the Trainer workshop was effective in teaching and improving public speaking skills of both youth and adult participants, as well as providing specific steps, techniques, and exercises to clearly communicate content information about the topic of refusal and resistance. Results also suggest that standardizing the “presenter” variable may eliminate differences found in previous research between peer- and adult-led prevention programs. A Train-the Trainer workshop was developed to evaluate and enhance presentational skills for youth and adults in Indiana. Upon workshop completion, the 7 youth and 6 adults functioned as presenters of a module on refusal assistance skills to 95 youth enrolled in after-school programs. This study was designed to (1) formulate, implement, and evaluate a protocol to standardize important elements of the “presenter” variable in drug prevention programs and (2) utilize a rigorous research methodology to assess the comparative impact of peer versus adult presenters of a drug prevention program on participant knowledge and perceptions. Notes and references