EDGE is a basic teaching tool designed to guide the instructor in a series of steps that will include all learning styles. This is the training method taught by the Boy Scouts of America. Since attending the class, I have used this method for all the training materials I create.

The EDGE Method

The steps are as follow:

• Explain
• Demonstrate
• Guide
• Enable

Explain

First explain what you will be doing. Tell them the steps involved. Visual aids might be helpful for this step. Use questions to gauge their understanding.

Demonstrate

Show them how to do the skill. Demonstrate the steps using the actual materials. Describe what you are doing.

Guide

Let them practice the skill. Guide and coach them as they try to do it themselves. This step will take the most time.

Enable

Enable them by letting them do the skill themselves without any intervention.