In order to complete the Advanced Studies Program and graduate as an Electrical Training ALLIANCE Instructional Specialist, participants must satisfactorily complete three Advanced Studies courses. Courses are delivered as half-day, 24 contact hour courses in most cases. This allows participants to simultaneously complete Technical Courses during the Advanced Studies Program.
The first course taken is a required “Core” course, entitled, “Advances in Electrical Training.” This course, Course 65, introduces the participant to the Advanced Studies Program and includes topics critical to the success of an advanced-level instructor. These topics may include, but are not limited to, successful practices in technical training, application of research, technology utilization (updates), review of adult learning principles, project management and development, and other similar topics.
The second course in the program is an elective course, selected from the courses offered during that particular year. As a component of the course, participants will begin developing a project related to the course material. Of primary interest are projects that will contain content/activities that will be suitable for use in actual Electrical Training ALLIANCE blended-learning courses. Following the summer NTI, project development will continue throughout the next three to four months. During this project development phase, asynchronous contact with the Professional Educator and fellow students will take place through emails, video conference, and other means, as deemed appropriate. In addition, support will be provided by Electrical Training ALLIANCE staff in order to aid in the development of appropriate, practical resources. It is anticipated that all projects will be completed by the end of December following the NTI course. Continued modification of the project may take place on an as-needed basis.
The final course is a capstone course entitled, “Applied Experiences in Electrical Training.” One of the possible capstone experiences includes a teaching internship in which the participant will be assigned to one of the courses offered in the Four-Year I-Group program. During this internship, the student will assist the Professional Educator and will provide content-related assistance to participants enrolled in the class. This allows the Advanced Studies participant to not only observe experienced Professional Educators, but to also contribute to the instructional activities while lending his or her technical knowledge and expertise to the learning environment. This is a win-win situation for instructors and participants. Other capstone experiences may be offered as an alternative to the practicum including teaching or assisting with Technical Courses, or assisting with other groups such as C-Group, O-Group, OA-Group, etc. depending on the needs of the participant and the National Training Institute. The capstone course will officially end at the end of the summer NTI week, therefore, no additional project beyond the end of the capstone course will be required.