Section 3 

 INSTRUCTIONAL METHODS AND MATERIALS 



The training program is designed to be as straightforward, simple, and relevant 

 as possible. Three posters have been designed: one for large whales, one for 

 dolphins and porpoises, and one for seals and sea lions. These posters focus 

 on the species the workers are most likely to see, and they emphasize the most 

 relevant characteristics for identification. No attempt is made to get workers 

 to differentiate between species that are yery difficult to tell apart, such 

 as the large rorqual whales, as even trained marine mammalogists have difficulty 

 identifying these animals in the field. 



Field guides were not developed as part of the instructional program, because 

 communications with oil company personnel suggested that the fewer separate 

 materials we supplied the less confusing the program would be for the workers. 

 It might be a good idea to supply a small guidebook such as that put out by 

 the California Department of Fish and Game. The guidebook would serve not so 

 much as an instructional material but as a source of information for workers 

 who become interested in the marine mammals. However, we have found that it 

 is quite difficult to locate space for the siting cards and posters and would 

 recommend that field guides be put out only if there is a convenient place for 

 them. 



In addition to the posters, the sighting cards were designed to be not only a 

 source of data, but part of the instructional program. As the worker fills 

 out a sighting card he will learn what characteristics are important for the 

 identification of marine mammals. 



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