HOW DO SCIENTOLOGISTS TRAIN?

During his research, L. Ron Hubbard made many advances in how best to educate people and these are applied in training services ministered by the Church. He isolated the fundamentals of learning and codified these into a technology of study. Study technology is a separate field in itself, with application to any subject of learning. It is used in all Scientology training but is equally useful in the study of any subject.

Among elements unique to Scientology course rooms is the Course Supervisor, an expert in the technology of study, adept at locating and handling any barriers or obstacles to understanding which one might encounter. The Supervisor does not lecture, nor in any way add his own rendition of the subject. This point is important because the results obtained in Scientology come only from closely following the technology exactly as written by Mr. Hubbard. The subject has already been researched, tested and well-proven as workable in application. Verbal renditions passed on from teacher to student would inevitably contain alterations from the original, however unintentional, until Scientology’s efficacy would be lost. This is why considerable attention is paid to ensuring a student receives only the pure rendition as written or spoken by Mr. Hubbard himself.

Instead, the Supervisor helps the individual to grasp the materials, always stressing understanding and application. This method of education has been found to enable individuals to understand more and be far better able to use what they have learned than traditional methods of instruction.

Scientology training allows individuals to learn at their own pace. Each course is organized around what is called a checksheet, another innovation in the technology of study developed by Mr. Hubbard. A checksheet is a means of arranging and presenting the materials of a subject in a step-by-step manner to facilitate learning. Checksheets lay out the sequence of study and the practical application drills to be followed.

The materials of a Scientology training service consist of books, other publications, films and recorded lectures by L. Ron Hubbard. These are laid out in the checksheet and the student studies them in the order listed. The individual progresses from one step to the next only when he is ready. There is no “getting left behind,” no expecting him to blindly accept the data, or other such humiliations all too prevalent in the society’s educational system. A Scientology training service is solely for the benefit of the individual; his own advancement in knowledge is the determining factor of progress.

Since the emphasis is on doing, not study for the sake of study, the individual soon finds himself working with others on the practical aspects of his course, studying together to become proficient in what they have learned. An atmosphere of mutual assistance pervades every Scientology course room.

In addition to studying, each Scientology course requires direct application of the data learned. As one progresses through the checksheet, he is required to demonstrate concepts, apply the information to situations in his own life and practice the procedures or techniques being studied until proficient in their use. A balance is struck between study of Scientology principles and practical application of these principles. The product of a Scientology course is someone who not only understands what he has studied but who can demonstrate this understanding through application.

There are course rooms for reading assignments and listening to taped lectures, while other course rooms are reserved for people to drill the application of their materials.

Another feature of Scientology training is the use of films as a tool to teach correct technical application. These films cover specific aspects of Scientology, showing exactly how they are applied in auditing. The films were written by L. Ron Hubbard and many of them were also produced, directed and narrated by him.

When someone completes a training service they are awarded a certificate of accomplishment to signify attainment of a particular level of knowledge or skill.