Helping Seasoned Wildland Fire Professionals Train the Next Generation

Learning opportunities for the wildland fire community are more readily available than ever before. The Wildland Fire Learning Portal provides a single platform to manage and deliver education and training opportunities for wildland fire personnel across agencies. 

However, one of the biggest challenges in wildland fire education is that individual instructors also have day jobs. Each time they re-enter the classroom, they must shift from an operational to an education mindset. While learning from those with extensive experience in this field can be incredibly valuable, students absorb the knowledge best when it is presented using effective teaching techniques.

“We wanted to increase opportunities for wildland fire instructors and trainers to refresh and hone their teaching skills,” said Rick Gividen, an education program specialist with Interior’s Office of Wildland Fire.

After reviewing several university programs, the Office of Wildland Fire partnered with the University of Kentucky. Its Center for the Enhancement of Learning and Teaching (CELT) works collaboratively with instructors to create engaging, innovative, and inclusive learning environments.

Read the full story on the US Department of Interiors website.