The First Line Supervision course is offered via a blended course of instructional delivery consisting of 4 days in a retreat setting where learners are required to stay on location. This is followed the next week with 3 days of facilitated distance learning. In the third week the learner will participate in 3 days of classroom instruction at the Michigan State Police Training Academy in Lansing, for a total of 80 instructional hours. The instructional format is problem-based learning (PBL) – the next generation in law enforcement training. The training is provided in partnership with the Michigan State Police and funded, in part, with Michigan Justice Training grant dollars.
PBL is defined as a “teaching or training method characterized by the use of ‘real world’ problems as a context for individuals to learn critical thinking and problem solving skills and acquire knowledge. It involves both knowing and doing.” (Lepinski) Another definition is “an instructional method in which the teacher builds instruction around a practical problem and encourages pupils to discuss the problem in small groups, with an aim to cultivate active learning, critical thinking, and problem-solving skills among them.” (Lahden) The instructor provides the learning environment and then relinquishes spotlight and allows the student to learn the material at their own pace and through the method that works best for him/her. The instructor switches from instruction, where they provide the material, to facilitation, during which time the facilitator guides the student through learning and understanding.
The cadre of facilitators for this course includes Lt. Phillip Langmeyer, Bloomfield Township Police Department; Sgt Christian Clute, Michigan State Police; Audrey Martini, (Retired Lt -Detroit Police Department), Michigan State University; and Lt. Jeffrey Campbell, Eaton County Sheriff’s Officey. All of the above facilitators have successfully completed the 400-hour MSU School of Staff and Command and are familiar with the problem-based learning format in addition to their individual expertise in various course topics.
Because a 2011 Justice Training grant from MCOLES is supporting the development and delivery of this first class to be offered, the registration fee is $400. The fee includes three nights lodging and all meals and break refreshments for the four-day retreat at the Kellogg Biological Conference Center in Gull Lake; lunch and break refreshments for the three days of classroom instruction at the MSP Training Academy; all handouts and access to Adobe Connect and ANGEL – the on-line learning management system that will be used for the three days of distance learning.
For registration and payment information, Click here. MCOLES certification is available to Michigan residents. Continuing Education Unit (CEU) credits are available upon successful completion of the 80-hour course.
