3 Things to Know About CPI’s 3rd Edition Training

Providing the world’s leading evidence-based de-escalation training requires research and listening. Over the past four years, CPI has taken time to understand the latest research on brain science and adult learning principles. We’ve also spoken to customers to better understand their needs and requests with regard to training.

The result is, “All of the main changes are coming directly from our Certified Instructors and what they’ve been asking for,” CPI Training and Development Consultant, Megan Sanchez, shared.

Today, you’ll get a first-hand look at three of the biggest updates made to CPI's 3^rd Edition Training to see how this new edition could benefit your staff and the people you serve.

Understanding How Brain Science Impacts Behavior

One of the major updates made to 3^rd Edition Training is the emphasis on brain science and its impact on behavior. CPI Instructional Designer, Patricia Bosco, who helped craft our 3^rd Edition Training, shared, “When we did our research into brain science, we wanted to go more in depth and have people understand what really happens in the brain and body and how it appears as distress behavior.”

This in-depth look allows learners to see the connection between what is happening in their own brain and how their behavior is influenced as a result. It equips people with the tools to remain in their own rational mind to better understand what may be influencing the behavior of the people in their care.

This is because, as Patricia Bosco explains, “When it comes down to it, everything is determined by the brain—and behavior is controlled by the brain. We want our Certified Instructors and end-learners to really emphasize and understand that this behavior is not a challenge to you. It’s not to frustrate you. It’s the way someone is communicating their distress.”

With this update, you can expect to come away from 3^rd Edition Training with an understanding of:

• How trauma impacts different parts of the brain and influences behavior
• How your own biases impact your decision-making
• Why and how to first control what is happening in your own brain and body before supporting someone who is struggling

You can also expect training modules that connect this understanding of brain science to real and applicable situations in your workplace. Because when you are able to remain in your logical brain, you can provide person-centered care to those in need.

This update was something that Behavior Specialist and Certified Instructor, Maria Recker, was excited to see. “I absolutely love how much more person-focused it is. I'm hoping that making the class more relevant to our everyday work will get people excited about it.”

But this update isn’t the only way 3^rd Edition is making content more accessible to learners.

Improved Vocabulary and Training Structure

Our research into adult learning principles provided some insight into how to best update training content. Patricia Bosco explained, “Adults process and take in knowledge very differently. The instructional theory that [3^rd Edition] is based on is called constructivism—it’s where learners create their own learning experiences by building on the knowledge and experiences they have.”

But it can be difficult to connect learnings to your own life when complex terms and acronyms get in the way. “The people who attend our trainings come from very diverse backgrounds which is why it’s important to make things as accessible as possible to everyone,” CPI Program Operations Representative, Nora Contreras, told us.

This meant that 3^rd Edition Training had an opportunity to review how lessons were presented and look for ways to improve it. Megan Sanchez shared, “We used to say words like enhanced proxemics, kinesics, and haptics. Those aren’t words you use, and it doesn't translate very easily for some of our Certified Instructors if English isn’t their first language.”

With this update, 3^rd Edition Training has:

• Removed acronyms in favor of using simplified explanations and exercises
• Done away with complex vocabulary in favor of every-day language
• Updated key concepts, like the Decision-Making Matrix^SM, to be more user-friendly

Teacher and Certified Instructor, Paul Everding, told us, “3^rd Edition transforms the content from academic to accessible. You truly feel like you can apply CPI’s principles successfully.”

Customizable Training That Lets You Connect Training to Your Workplace

3^rd Edition Training incorporates several new features to make training easier for Certified Instructors and to address recurring pain points that were shared. This was done because, “We want [3^rd Edition] to be a tool that’s there to support and enhance what Certified Instructors are naturally already doing,” Megan Sanchez explained.

To help make training as simple as possible, the following updates were made:

• The new Instructor Guide clearly lays out lesson plans and action items in one place
• Additional case studies were created to help learners connect concepts to what really happens at their workplace
• The PowerPoint presentation is now customizable, allowing Certified Instructors to easily incorporate company policy straight into the conversation

Mental Health Counselor and Certified Instructor, John Volkening, expressed, “The flow of subject matter has been greatly improved and the workbooks are far more engaging and understandable. There has been significant updating and fine-tuning of the course. I am very much looking forward to teaching this.”

Have questions or want to learn more about how 3rd Edition Training could benefit your organization? Schedule a call with a CPI representative today.