What is Clive Shepherd's PIAF?
It is his take on the four step process necessary for workplace interventions. By that, he means everything from troubleshooting computer problems to learning how to drive, and hopefully to teaching high school students mathematics (like me). The P is Preparation, which is simply engaging the learner and preparing them for the learnign experience. The I is Input, which is where the learner actually obtains the knowledge or skill in question. The A is Application, where the learner gets to actually try out and demonstrate. Finally, the F is for Follow-Up, which creates the ongoing cycle of learning and support for the future.
Clive's model allows for an ongoing process to occur within the workplace intervention. Unlike what gets utilized in the everyday job force, Clive has included several elements that hope to avoid the one-and-done type of solution that we see so frequently. Rather than being informed what to do through one video tutorial or text (simply using the input stage), this four step process reinforces the knowledge. Although he claims to not be sure of the educational application, I see it everyday in my classroom. Learning mathematics happens on a continuum and students need to engage in the lesson (prepared), obtain the information (input), put it to use through practical applications or exercises (application), and assessed with feedback (follow-up). Clive's model is a mirror of what educators tend to see in the everyday classroom, and it works for students just as well as adults in the workplace.
