THE EFFECTIVENESS OF SCENARIO-BASED DISCUSSIONS

Training and workshops are conducted to enhance an agency’s radioactive material location and response capability when control is lost. A lecture format using visual presentation, often with limited knowledge transfer, is frequently used to convey information about material outside of regulatory control (MORC). A recent training event used scenario-based discussions and realworld investigative case examples with positive results. The delivery process included intelligence injects, a by-product of the Socratic method, which increased participant engagement, created an active learning format, and facilitated interagency communication. Participants could share their understanding of the cases, including criminality and mitigation efforts, and demonstrate critical thinking skills within a classroom environment. Forms of communication included listening, verbal response, and nonverbal communication skills. Observed second-order effects included credibility and bonding between participants and staff, which was due to a shared goal of responding to MORC.