Training law enforcement instructors is about more than just sharing knowledge—it is about creating professional educators who can in turn build confident, capable officers. And for as long as ASP has been training law enforcement and military personnel around the world (almost 50 years), this mantra of sorts has appeared in our training manuals:
I hear and I forget.
I see and I learn.
I do and I remember.
I feel and I believe.
While the words seem fairly self-explanatory, it’s important for instructors to truly understand and apply them to their teaching methods. So let’s dig in:
“I hear and I forget”—the limits of lecture-based learning
New instructors often assume that verbal explanations are enough for students to absorb information. However, lectures alone rarely produce lasting retention. It doesn't take long before your students' attention (and retention) start to wander.
A good trainer guides instructor candidates—as well as existing instructors who are recertifying—to use the “why” behind the “how” during their PowerPoints or other classroom presentations. Interacting with the students by asking them questions and helping them to highlight key information in their manuals helps them to understand why and how. This reinforces learning during the demonstration, physical drills and discussion of principles and techniques.
“I see and I learn”—the power of demonstration
Again, listening alone is not enough for instructors to master teaching techniques and principles. Before leading their own courses, prospective instructors must observe skilled trainers who provide clear, precise demonstrations. A well-executed demonstration serves as a blueprint, ensuring trainees understand not just the theory but the practical application of techniques. Whether in tactical drills or use of force transitions, seeing proper execution firsthand allows instructors to model best practices, refine their own skills, and gain the confidence needed to teach effectively.
“I do and I remember”—learning through action
Demonstration is the first step in teaching physical skills, but mastery comes through doing. After seeing a skill performed by an experienced trainer or instructor, students must physically execute it themselves to internalize the technique. Guided practice—repeating movements, refining precision, and receiving corrections—cements understanding. Whether executing tactical maneuvers or refining fundamental techniques, hands-on repetition transforms observation into competence, ensuring future instructors can both perform and teach with confidence.
“I feel and I believe”—physical awareness in training
Teaching isn’t just about knowledge—it’s about physically experiencing the demands of law enforcement training. Future instructors must recognize how their body responds under stress, control breathing during high-intensity drills, and adapt to physical exertion. Feeling the weight of tactical gear, the resistance of physical maneuvers, and the controlled force in simulated drills like Red Man, refines instruction and enhances precision. It turns students into believers in the techniques being taught.
Conclusion—following the path to mastery in law enforcement instruction
The best law enforcement instructors aren’t just knowledgeable—they are skilled educators who embody their training methods. Developing future instructors means guiding them verbally through concepts, giving them the opportunity to observe proper techniques, encouraging them to practice leadership, and ensuring that they physically, repeatedly experience their craft firsthand. Master trainers who focus on these learning stages create instructors who can confidently shape the next generation of officers with clarity, precision, and hands-on expertise.
