The BSA EDGE method is a four-step technique for teaching a skill or concept to someone else. It stands for Explain, Demonstrate, Guide, and Enable.
The trainer first explains how something is done, then demonstrates it while explaining again. Next, the trainer guides the learner through the steps of the task, giving feedback and assistance as needed. Finally, the trainer enables the learner to do the task on their own, checking for understanding and mastery.
EDGE is very basic, but it really does work. The Scouts BSA requirements for Tenderfoot and Life ranks require the Scout to use the BSA EDGE method to help somebody else learn a skill.
It will help Cub Scouts learn and retain skills also. So it is not only for Scouts BSA and Venturers, but for den leaders also.
The BSA EDGE Method
The EDGE method is a four step method for teaching a skill:
- Explain
- Demonstrate
- Guide
- Enable
Explain
First explain what you will be doing. Tell them the steps involved. Visual aids might be helpful for this step. Use questions to gauge their understanding.
Demonstrate
Show them how to do the skill. Demonstrate the steps using the actual materials. Describe what you are doing.
Guide
Let them practice the skill. Guide and coach them as they try to do it themselves. This step will take the most time.
Enable
Enable them by letting them do the skill themselves without any intervention.
Example of an Teaching EDGE Exercise
At an ILSC training, our Crew president did an exercise with paper airplanes to help the participants understand the Teaching EDGE:
- Explain: He explained how they would make a paper airplane.
- Demonstrate: He got out a piece of paper and showed them how to make the paper airplane.
- Guide: He gave each of them a piece of paper and described each step. As he described the step, they did it with their pieces of paper.
- Enable: He gave them each another piece of paper and told them to make a paper airplane on their own.
Related Resources for BSA Edge Method
Scouts BSA Advancements Which Require the EDGE Method
The use of the EDGE method is required for the Tenderfoot rank and the Life rank:
Tenderfoot 8. Describe the steps in Scouting’s Teaching EDGE method. Use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another person how to tie the square knot.
Life 6: While a Star Scout, use the Teaching EDGE method to teach another Scout (preferably younger than you) the skills from ONE of the following choices, so that the Scout is prepared to pass those requirements to their Scoutmaster’s satisfaction. Tenderfoot – 4a and 4b (first aid), Second Class – 2b, 2c, and 2d (cooking/camping).
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