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The purpose of the SGHA's training Program is to develop the skills and knowledge of individuals so they can perform their roles effectively and efficiently. Our training curriculum is organized into 4 levels with alphabetical designators to indicate time in grade (5 years maximum). So an individual that is a level 2 and has been a level 2 for four years is designated as L2d. A Level 1 with two years would be a L1b
Before we go into the curriculum itself, it is important to understand the role and functions our training program. What it is and is not.
SGHA's training program is not a merit badge system or a lame ghost hunter "certification". It is an administrative tool that is used to gauge a member's knowledge and experience. State Coordinators and their Operations Officers use this to balance the experience of a team. The President and Vice President use it to determine the classification and abilities of a Charter.
SGHA training levels are not a ranking system. Level 4 is reserved for degreed individuals (a degree in a science related field from a accredited university) and can reach that level in as little as four months. Time in grade (experience) can matter just as much depending upon the type of activity.
For example; A State Coordinator must choose between two members to participate in a group function. One member is a L1e, the other is a L4a. If the function is a ghost hunt, the L1e will probably be chosen because of the edge that member has in experience. If the activity is a research project, then the L4a would be the best choice, knowledge over experience.
Requirements: The only mandatory training requirements are that all SGHA applicants must pass the Level 1 standard within six months after their application approval. Failure to do so results in the termination of that person's membership. Extensions to the time requirement can be made, on a case to case basis, by the State Coordinator. After obtaining their Level 1, there are no other requirements to advance to the next training level. The program is designed so that a member can gage his or her own interest and progress.
Members must also participate in certain annual training requirements. Each training level has it's own standards, such as time in grade, as well passing written and practical tests.
Our training program is SGHA specific. It is bound by our idealogy, hypotheses and methodology in accordance with our mission statement. It means nothing outside of our organization and is not a credential of any kind. Additional classes and information are not posted on our website but are available to our members from their Charter's Operations Officer or State Coordinator.
Training exercises are routinely conducted to ensure competency and to provide learning experiences. For example, a training exercise may consist of ghost hunting a non-haunted location. For the purpose of the exercise, the witnesses accounts and phenomena are fictional and created. The participating members are not told that the ghost hunt is a training exercise. The ghost hunt is conducted and evaluated by the State Coordinator or the Charter's Research Officer. The purpose of this is quite simple. Before one can say that something is paranormal, they first must know what normal is. By training with instruments in a non-haunted locale, a member can gain insight into how that piece of equipment operates in a normal environment. Additionally, certain blocks of our training curriculum have an annual training requirement.
SGHA Training Levels
| Level |
Training goal |
Learning objectives |
Evaluation |
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To pass the written and practical tests for Level 1. See link at left for additional info. |
1. Exhibit required skills in operation of Frequency counter and N Trifield.
2. Understand SGHA by-laws, idealogy and methodology. |
Assessment and judgment on quality of evidence in order to conclude whether you achieved the learning objectives or not. Written and practical test. |
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To pass the written and practical tests for Level 2. See link at left for additional info .
Be able to supervise a team.
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1. Exhibit required skills and decision making for level 2.
2. Exhibit required skills in leadership and delegation. |
Assessment and judgment on quality of evidence in order to conclude whether you achieved the learning objectives or not. Written and practical test. |
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To pass the written and practical tests for Level 3. See link at left for additional info.
Be able to coordinate and work with all aspects of SGHA including SHIELD (skeptics) and SAGE (research dept). |
1. Exhibit required skills in problem solving and decision making for level 3.
2. Exhibit required skills in leadership and delegation to include research projects and advanced analysis of data.
3. Write an execute a research plan. |
Assessment and judgment on quality of evidence in order to conclude whether you achieved the learning objectives or not. Written and practical test. Completion of a college class in physics 101. |
Level 4 |
Assist Charter Research Officer |
None required, already obtained. |
Diploma from an accredited college in a field of science that has relevance to our research. |
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