Final answer:
The Experiential Learning Model (ELM) is the preferred method for resident training in all training and leader development courses except for BOLC, focusing on hands-on, practical experience that promotes active engagement, reflection, and deeper understanding.
Step-by-step explanation:
The preferred method of conducting resident training in all training and leader development courses, with the exception of the Basic Officer Leader Course (BOLC), is to use the Experiential Learning Model (ELM). ELM emphasizes hands-on, practical experience where learners are actively engaged in a cycle of action and reflection, thereby gaining a deeper understanding of the material. It is based on the principle that adults learn best through experiences rather than through traditional lecture-based instruction.
Within the ELM, training is typically structured around real-life scenarios or simulations that replicate the complexity and unpredictability of real operations. Participants actively participate in exercises that mirror the tasks they will be expected to perform, facilitating a deeper comprehension of leadership principles and tactics. Debriefings or after-action reviews are an integral part of the ELM, allowing participants to reflect on what they have done, analyze why they did it, and how they can improve in the future.
For other courses besides BOLC, which may use more traditional instructional methods, ELM is seen as an effective way to foster critical thinking, problem-solving, and adaptability among military personnel – vital attributes in an operational environment.