Comparing Pecha Kucha and Traditional Methods in Occupational Safety Training

Abstract

Recently, speculation has begun developing amongst researchers in terms of the effectiveness of training program presentations as well as their ability to educate learners. This is due to a number of reasons given from learners based on their thoughts of current methods of teaching concepts. To bring more meaningful information into education lectures and safety training, researchers and educators have explored a variety of concepts to enhance the learning experience in various environments. These concepts are pulled from topics such as adult learning theories, multimedia teaching, increased presentation rates, and learner interaction. A more fast-paced Japanese method of presenting, known as Pecha Kucha, is gaining the attention of researchers and educators. It is seen as a quicker, more interesting way of teaching the material within a short period of time all while constantly keeping the attention of the listener. Pecha Kucha may have the upper hand over traditional PowerPoint presentations in terms of learning because there are less images and text on slides, and it reduces cognitive load. The two presentation styles may be just as effective when compared to each other in terms of retention as both would possibly make important material easier to identify versus a regular lecture that did not use multimedia to assist with teaching. The objective of this research is to examine if Pecha Kucha presentations are more beneficial for learners when compared to PowerPoint presentations. Very few studies were found in regards to Pecha Kucha, but out of those that were found, a majority of them focused on what the presenter was able to take away from the presentation rather than the learner. This study assesses if Pecha Kucha presentations will provide a difference in audiences' ability to learn and retain concepts versus a traditional didactic method of presenting with PowerPoint. Secondly, it also analyzes if the audience expressed more interest in Pecha Kucha presentations than the method of presenting regularly with PowerPoint. The findings from this study will contribute to and improve previous studies of adult learning methods as they relate to the use of Pecha Kucha presentations and the effects it has within the learning environment, whether it be the classroom or occupational safety training.