Instructor Competency KSA

8/12/2019 Instructor Competency KSA

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Expanded Competency Checklist for Trainers or Instructors

Role: Trainer or Instructor

Basic Competency 1: Prepares for InstructionThe trainer prepares to teach a specific course to a specific group by reviewing the courseannouncement, distributing pre-work assignments, and customizing and duplicating course

materials. Closer to the training event the trainer orders equipment and sets up the training

room. Online trainers would meet with a technical coordinator to confirm details of the

broadcast or taping of the session.

Results or Output

Training course announcement, pre-work assignments, room set-up diagram, training

equipment materials

Supporting Knowledge !s aware of what constitutes an appropriate pre-work assignment and how much

time is needed to complete a pre-work assignment

!s aware of optimum room set-up

Supporting Skills

Creates and distributes appropriate pre-work assignments

"ets up the classroom for optimum learning

Operates classroom equipment

Supporting Attitudes !s willing to spend the time to complete pre-course activities

#mpathizes with participants who may not have the time to complete a pre-work

assignment


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Advanced Competency 1: Prepares for InstructionThe trainer prepares to teach a specific course to a specific group by developing a

partnership with the supervisors of the participants, customizes specific e$amples to meet

the needs of the target population. The trainer customizes the course ob%ectives and content

into benefits that appeal to the target population.

Results or Output

&anagement partnership, training course changes, training course announcement, pre-work

assignments, room set-up diagram, training equipment materials

Supporting Knowledge

!s aware of what constitutes an appropriate pre-work assignment and how much

time is needed to complete a pre-work assignment

!s aware of optimum room set-up !s aware of the role participants' managers have in the success of training

(nderstands how to revise participant training materials and customize the lesson

plan for this session

(nderstands making benefits known to participants in a training announcement

Supporting Skills

)artners with supervisors of participants to prepare learners for results

*evises participant training materials based on the needs of this group

Customizes the lesson plan to the needs of this group

"tates course outcomes as benefits to the participants

Creates and distributes appropriate pre-work assignments

"ets up the classroom for optimum learning

Operates classroom equipment

Supporting Attitudes

!s willing to spend the time to complete pre-course activities

#mpathizes with participants who may not have the time to complete a pre-work

assignment


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Basic Competency 2: Sets a Learning EnvironmentThe trainer greets participants as they enter the room and distributes handout materials and

name tents. The trainer asks participants to introduce themselves and identify their

ob%ectives for the session.

Results or Output

+ctive participants, completed introductions, posted participant learning

ob%ectives


(nderstands what constitutes an appropriate introduction for the trainer and the

participants

Supporting Skills

Conducts introductions that place the learners at ease

#stablishes ground rules and announces the schedule for the course

+sks for information from the learners about their ob%ectives, e$perience, and

motivation for the course topic


!s interested in maintaining order and control


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Advanced Competency 2: Sets a Learning Environment+s participants enter the physical or virtual classroom, the trainer or instructor greets them

and makes a personal introduction. Copyright-free music plays, and directions to prepare for

group introductions are visible. + graphic overview of the course is posted as a course map.

+ series of electronic slides automatically advance to reveal the theme for the course

content. )articipants collect or create their name tentsbadges, and materials are distributed.

The training session begins with a session starter that involves everyone in a low-risk

activity that is related to the course content that follows.

Results or Output

+ctive participants, completed introductions, music, course graphic, name tents, materials,

ground rules are set, ob%ectives posted


!s aware of role of music in setting a learning climate

!s aware of the role of established ground rules at the beginning of a session

(nderstands what constitutes an appropriate introduction for the trainer and the

participants

!s aware of the learners' interest in making choices when entering the classroom,

such as where to sit, how to complete a name tent, and so on

(nderstands what constitutes a risk for the learners

!s aware that climate-setting activities ought to be one eighth of the course activity

Supporting Skills esigns a course graphic to provide a visual overview of the course

"elects appropriate music or other audiovisuals to play while participants assemble

"hows electronic slides that will preview the training session concepts

!dentifies risk factors of activities relevant to the specific target

population

Conducts a session starter that involves everyone, is low risk, and is related to the

course content

Conducts introductions that place the learners at ease

#stablishes ground rules and announces the schedule for the course

+sks for information from the learners about their ob%ectives, e$perience, and

motivation for the course topic

elps participants tie course ob%ectives to a business need


!s sensitive to the learners' need for inclusion in low-risk activities

!ncludes the learners in decision making


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Basic Competency 3: Uses Adut Learning PrincipesThe trainer or instructor uses adult learning principles that enhance motivation and improve

retention.

Results or Output

+ctive participants


!s aware of the importance of building learning on an adult's

e$periences

Supporting Skills

)rovides a practical and useful learning e$perience

Supporting Attitudes *espects participants' prior knowledge and skills


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Advanced Competency 3: Uses Adut Learning PrincipesThe trainer or instructor uses adult learning principles that enhance motivation and improve

retention, that use a variety of learning methods, and that set a collaborative learning

environment.

Results or Output

+ctive participants, different training methods to appeal to different learning styles


!s aware of the importance of building learning on an adult's

e$periences

(nderstands learning styles and the importance of using a variety of training

methods

!s aware of the importance of helping participants identify the benefits of learningsomething new

(nderstands which adult learning principles are a priority for a

specific target population

Supporting Skills

)rovides a practical and useful learning e$perience

+cknowledges participants' prior knowledge and skills

(ses a variety of training methods

Supporting Attitudes *espects participants' prior knowledge and skills

!s willing to give up some control of the learning situation to build a collaborative

learning e$perience


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Basic Competency !: Uses LectureThe trainer or instructor gives a lecture that is well organized, easy to follow, contains

enough clear and accurate e$amples, and contains a visual component through handout

materials and visuals.

Results or Output

/ecture notes, handout materials, visuals


(nderstands appropriate visual support for verbal information

(nderstands appropriate e$amples

!s aware of logical structure

Supporting Skills "ets up the lecture by telling the ob%ective and gives an overview of the content

)rovides clear and accurate e$amples

"upplements verbal comments with written handout materials and visuals


!s interested in being logical and well-organized


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Advanced Competency !: Uses LectureThe trainer involves learners appro$imately every fifteen minutes, handles questions well,

and uses appropriate platform techniques.

Results or Output

/arge group participation, answers participant questions, models platform

techniques


(nderstands appropriate visual support for verbal information

(nderstands appropriate e$amples

!s aware of logical structure

!s aware of an adult's attention span

(nderstands how to ask questions that promote reflection and learning

Supporting Skills

"ets up the lecture by telling the ob%ective and gives an overview of the content

)rovides clear and accurate e$amples

"upplements verbal comments with written handout materials and visuals

+nswers questions accurately

!nvolves learners in brief activities at least every fifteen minutes

&aintains eye contact and uses appropriate gestures

+voids distracting words, such as 0ah,1 0um,1 and 0ya' know1

2aries speaking rate, pitch, and volume

as learners develop or use the concepts from the lecture

as learners finish the lecture or make a summary or application of the ideas

presented


!s interested in being logical and well-organized

+ppreciates that all lectures will not be liked by all adults

!s willing to keep lectures short and to a minimum during a course


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Basic Competency ": Conducts #iscussionsThe trainer or instructor controls the discussion by asking appropriate questions, includes all

participants by asking direct questions and answers

questions from participants. The trainer provides a complete summary of the main points

Results or Output

+genda, questions, summary of ideas


(nderstands the interactions during a dynamic discussion

Supporting Skills

"ets up the discussion by stating the ob%ective and gives an overview of the agenda

+sks overview questions to begin the discussion +sks direct questions to gain fuller participation

+sks participants to clarify the concepts

&akes a summary


!s willing to remain impartial so participants will e$presses their own opinions


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Basic Competency $: %aciitates E&ercisesThe trainer or instructor sets up the activity by giving clear directions, groups participants,

and draws learning points from the participants. The trainer makes a summary of key points.

Results or Output

)articipants complete activities


(nderstands the importance of learning by doing

Supporting Skills

"ets up the learning activity by telling the ob%ective and gives an overview of the

activity

3roups participants and assigns roles appropriate to the activity Observes the participants and assists groups as needed

Conducts a debriefing to stress learning points

&akes a summary of key points


!s willing to use a variety of activities to reach all learners


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Advanced Competency $: %aciitates E&ercises' Case Studies' (ames' andSimuationsThe trainer sets up the activity by giving clear directions, groups participants, and draws

learners' reactions and learning points from the participants. The trainer helps the

participants apply what is learned from these activities.

Results or Output

)articipants complete advanced activities, such as case studies, games, and

simulations


(nderstands the importance of learning by doing

(nderstands how to group learners for the best results

(nderstands which types of questions will help learners discoverconcepts and apply new learning

(nderstands how to refocus groups that become lost or distracted

during an activity

!s aware that une$pected learning can occur

Supporting Skills

"ets up the learning activity by telling the ob%ective and gives an overview of the

activity without revealing what the learners will discover

3roups participants and assigns roles appropriate to the activity

Observes the participants and assists groups as needed

Conducts a debriefing of the activity by asking participants to share and interpret

their reactions to the activity by asking appropriate questions

+sks participants to identify learning points that usually emerge from the activity

andles une$pected learning appropriately

+sks participants to identify how they will use or apply the concepts learned from

the activity


!s willing to use a facilitative role and not be too directive or controlling


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Basic Competency ): Conducts #emonstrationsThe trainer conducts a demonstration to show the correct way to complete a process or a

procedure while e$plaining what the participants hear and see. The trainer supervises

participants in a return demonstration, asking questions, giving feedback, and making

corrections. The trainer summarizes key points.

Results or Output

Completed product or completed process


(nderstands the process or procedure to be demonstrated

Supporting Skills

"ets up the demonstration by telling the ob%ective and gives an overview of theprocess or procedure to be demonstrated

"hows the process or procedure while e$plaining what learners see and hear

"upervises participant return demonstrations, gives feedback, and makes corrections

"upervises practice sessions to complete learning

#valuates learning through tests


"hows concern for the participants' safety


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Advanced Competency ): Conducts #emonstrationsThe trainer conducts a demonstration to show the correct way to complete a process or a

procedure while e$plaining what the participants hear and see. The trainer supervises

participants in a return demonstration, asking questions, giving feedback, and making

corrections. The trainer asks questions to have the learners summarize key points.

Results or Output

Completed product or completed process, skill performance checklist


(nderstands the process or procedure to be demonstrated

!s aware of the risk to participants of doing or learning the process or procedure

(nderstands how much practice is required to learn a new skill based on task

difficulty, the importance of doing the task in a standardized manner, and thefrequency with which the task is done on the %ob

!s aware of participant sensitivity to feedback


Supporting Skills

"ets up the demonstration by telling the ob%ective and gives an overview of the

process or procedure to be demonstrated

"hows the process or procedure while e$plaining what learners see and hear

"upervises participant return demonstrations, gives feedback, and makes corrections

"upervises practice sessions to complete learning

#valuates learning through appropriate skill performance tests

+sks appropriate questions

+sks learners questions so learners develop concepts and make a

summary


"hows concern for the participants' safety

!s sensitive to participants who receive feedback


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Basic Competency *: Uses +oe PayThe trainer sets up and structures the role play to promote skill practice. The trainer might

role play the skill with a participant in front of the group as a model of the skill being

taught.

Results or Output

*ole play observer's critique sheet, skill development


!s aware of what constitutes an appropriate role model

Supporting Skills

"ets up the role play by sharing the ob%ective, selecting a volunteer, and preparing

the volunteer for his or her role &akes a summary of skills demonstrated


"hows concern to present an authentic role model


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Advanced Competency *: Uses +oe PayThe trainer sets up and structures the role play in groups of three to promote empathy or

skill practice. The instructor and peers observe participants and give feedback to promote

learning and application of skills on the %ob.

Results or Output

*ole-play observer's critique sheet4 empathy or skill development


!s aware of the risk factors of participant skill practice during a role play

(nderstands how to minimize risk and promote the benefits of role play


Supporting Skills "ets up the role play by sharing the ob%ective, selecting characters, and preparing the

characters for their roles

"tructures the role play to be completed simultaneously in groups of three.

!nstructs observers and provides a checklist for completion during the observation

+sks participants to play the scene without over-directing

+sks participants to share and interpret their reactions to the role plays

+sks participants questions to develop the concept of empathy or focus on the skills

being developed

+sks participants questions to summarize and apply what was learned to the %ob


"hows empathy

&akes the environment safe, not embarrassing for the learner


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Basic Competency ,: (ives %eed-ac. to LearnersThe trainer corrects the learners' mistakes by telling the correct way to complete an activity,

process, or procedure.

Results or Output

5egative feedback to learner, learner changes behavior, and learner improves


(nderstands how feedback affects a learner's performance

Supporting Skills

escribes specifically what the learner does and says that is incorrect

Offers an appropriate model


!s helpful


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Advanced Competency ,: (ives %eed-ac. to Learners+s part of the learning process, trainers give feedback to learners. )ositive feedback

reinforces what is done well and negative feedback is given to correct what is not done

correctly. 6eedback is given without making the learner defensive.

Results or Output

)ositive and negative feedback4 learner changes behavior and learner improves


!s aware of how to give feedback so the learner does not become defensive

!s aware of whether the learner is capable of the desired performance

Supporting Skills

escribes specifically what the learner does and says, rather than focusing onattitude or placing a value on it or making a %udgment

6ocuses on limited issues and avoids describing behavior as 0always1 or 0never1

6ocuses on behavior the learner can do something about

3ives well-timed information

(ses paraphrasing to ensure learner understanding and clear

communication

elps learners gain insights and verbalize the rationale for changed behavior


!s willing to focus on behavior, not attitude

!s willing to be helpful, not intrusive


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Advanced Competency 1/: Uses Audiovisuas2isuals show appropriate and accurate images and copy. 7hen showing visuals, the trainer

supports the content, rather than replacing it. The trainer operates equipment with ease and

troubleshoots minor mechanical problems effectively. The trainer respects the copyright

ownership of others' materials.

Results or Output

#quipment and media that support handout materials


!s aware of what type of media support a learning ob%ective

!s aware of who and how to call for technical support or troubleshooting

!s aware of different learning styles that need visual support for conceptual

information (nderstands the importance of color to create emphasis and retain information

6amiliar with how to operate frequently used equipment

Supporting Skills

"hows or customizes visual images that support the learning ob%ective

"elects a variety of media to enhance different learning styles

(ses color appropriately

oes not read to the learner from the visuals

Operates equipment with ease, and troubleshoots minor mechanical problems


!s willing to make the most effective use of media


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Basic Competency 11: Administers 0ests and Evauates S.i PerformanceThe trainer limits test content to material already taught in the course by distributing written

test materials efficiently and at the right time. The trainer gives clear directions, monitors

participant progress, and answers questions.

Results or Output

"cored tests and completed skill performance checklists


!s aware of what content is appropriate for testing

(nderstands the testing process

Supporting Skills

"elects appropriate content and test items +dministers the test fairly


!s willing to be fair


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Advanced Competency 11: Administers 0ests and Evauates S.iPerformanceThe trainer limits test content to material already taught in the course by distributing written

test materials efficiently and at the right time. The trainer gives clear directions, monitors

participant progress, and answers questions without providing unwarranted assistance. The

trainer collects and corrects the tests in a timely manner to provide feedback to the learners.

Results or Output

"cored tests and completed skill performance checklists, timely feedback of test results


!s aware of what content is appropriate for testing

(nderstands the testing process

!s aware of methods participants could use to cheat during a test (nderstands how to give feedback regarding incorrectly answered test items

!s aware of how to make a skill performance observation as ob%ective as possible

Supporting Skills

"elects appropriate content and test items

+dministers the test fairly

+nswers participant questions without providing unwarranted assistance

Corrects tests promptly

)rovides feedback to learners to improve performance &akes skill performance observations using an ob%ective checklist


!s willing to be fair

*ecognizes some participants may attempt to cheat on a test

!s willing to be helpful appropriately


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Basic Competency 12: andes Pro-em LearnersThe trainer uses two strategies to deal effectively with learners who act inappropriately or

disrupt the learning process.

Results or Output

)roblem ignored or problem learner e$cluded from training


!s aware of the source of problem learner behavior

Supporting Skills

(ses high-risk disciplinary strategies to correct problem learner

behavior

!gnores minor problem learner behaviors and talks to disruptiveparticipants privately

(ses interactive training methods to redirect the focus of a problem learner

+sks disruptive participants to leave the classroom


!s willing to ignore minor disruptive behavior

(nwilling to accept verbal or physical abuse from learners


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Advanced Competency 12: andes Pro-em LearnersThe trainer uses four or more strategies to deal effectively with learners who act

inappropriately and disrupt the learning process.

Results or Output

Changed learner behavior


!s aware of the source of problem learner behavior

(nderstands the risk associated with various problem learner strategies

Supporting Skills

!dentifies whether or not a problem is caused by the content or process of instruction

+nticipates problem learners by using prevention strategies, such as setting groundrules

!gnores minor problem learner behaviors and takes corrective action when

appropriate

(ses interactive training methods to redirect the focus of problem learners

(ses high-risk disciplinary strategies to correct problem learner behavior as a last

resort

+ssesses the effectiveness of problem learner strategies


!s willing to confront disruptive behavior assertively

!s unwilling to allow anyone to disrupt the learning of others

!s unwilling to accept verbal or physical abuse from learners


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Basic Competency 13: anages Appropriate Use of 0ecnoogyTrainer makes the best use of available technology to present courses.

Results or Output(se of technology


(nderstands the capabilities of technology owned by the organization

Supporting Skills

Operates software and hardware that are a part of the course

)rovides written directions for others to operate technical tools

"eeks support for technical assistance


!s willing to ask for help from technical support


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Advanced Competency 13: anages Appropriate Use of 0ecnoogyTrainer uses the most up-to-date available technology to present courses. Trainer uses a

combination of blended learning delivery modes when

appropriate.

Results or Output

(se of technology


!s aware of research that supports the use of technology as an effective learning tool

(nderstands the capabilities of different types of technology

Supporting Skills

"moothly operates software and hardware that are a part of the course )laces learners at ease when introducing new technology through learning activities

)rovides written and verbal directions for others to operate technical tools

!nteracts appropriately with technical support personnel

Completes system and sound checks prior to conducting a course


!s willing to practice using technology before using it in the classroom

"hows patience with less proficient learners

!s willing to ask for help from technical support


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Basic Competency 1!: Promotes Learning 0ransferThe trainer uses a variety of strategies and tactics to promote learning transfer to the %ob

during the course.

Results or Output

Transferred learning is used on the %ob


!s aware of the trainer's role in transferring new learning to the %ob

(nderstands assessment tools

!s aware of a variety of techniques to partner with learners during training to

promote learning transfer

Supporting Skills (ses adult learning methods to facilitate content that addresses the participants' real

issues

)rovides appropriate practice and feedback to learners


!s willing to work with learners during training to make a connection between

training and the use of skills on the %ob


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Advanced Competency 1!: Promotes Learning 0ransferThe trainer uses a variety of strategies and tactics to promote learning transfer to the %ob

before, during, and after the course.

Results or Output

Transferred learning is used on the %ob


!s aware of the trainer's role, participants' role, and the role of the participants'

manager in transferring new learning to the %ob

(nderstands assessment tools

!s aware of a variety of techniques to partner with learners and their managers to

promote learning transfer

Supporting Skills

"ets ob%ectives with the participants' manager that are based on needs defined with

the manager

Customizes content to meet the participants' needs

(ses adult learning methods to facilitate content that addresses the participants' real

issues

)rovides appropriate practice and feedback to learners

)rovides follow-up information to assist coaching and support by the participants'

managers

+ssists the managers in evaluating the transfer of learning and

bottom-line results of training


!s willing to e$tend the trainer's role in transferring learning beyond the classroom


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Basic Competency 1": Conducts Learning 4nineThe trainer conducts courses in a virtual classroom using synchronous and asynchronous

tools.

Results or Output

Completed lessons


!s aware of how to use a few tools of the technology appropriate for synchronous or

asynchronous courses

/imited understanding of how the technology works

!s aware of the differences in how to use a few training methods in a virtual

classroom

Supporting Skills

(ses lecture appropriately in a virtual classroom

elps learners become familiar with a few tools in the technology by pointing them

out

6acilitates threaded discussions

(ses appropriate visual support


!s willing to be thoroughly prepared

!s helpful to new learners


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Advanced Competency 1": Conducts Learning 4nineThe trainer conducts courses in a virtual classroom using a variety of synchronous and

asynchronous tools.

Results or Output

Completed lessons


!s aware of which tools of the technology are appropriate for synchronous or

asynchronous courses

(nderstands how the technology works

!s aware of the differences in how to use classroom training methods in a virtual

classroom

Supporting Skills

(ses a variety of training methods appropriately in a virtual classroom

elps learners become familiar with tools in the technology that promote

participation by using them

Compensates for a lack of face-to-face contact appropriately

eparts from the prepared script to promote learning

6acilitates threaded discussions

(ses appropriate visual support


!s willing to be thoroughly prepared

elpfulness to new learners


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Basic Competency 1$: +ecommends Course odificationsThe trainer assesses the effectiveness of a course and requests that the course designer make

appropriate changes.

Results or Output

7ritten requests for changes


!s aware of the variety of factors that influence the effectiveness of training

(nderstands when to request a change to a course

Supporting Skills

!dentifies appropriate changes to make a course more effective

!dentifies when a course does not match the %ob and is out-of-date


!s interested in having the course up-to-date


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Advanced Competency 1$: +ecommends Course odificationsThe trainer assesses the effectiveness of a course and makes specific recommendations for

course changes to the course designer and training manager.

Results or Output

7ritten recommendations for changes


!s aware of the variety of factors that influence the effectiveness of training

(nderstands when to make a recommendation to change a course

!s aware of how to state recommendations to avoid a defensive

reaction

(nderstands course design principles

Supporting Skills

!dentifies appropriate changes to make a course more effective

!dentifies when a course does not match the %ob and is out-of-date

Tactfully makes appropriate recommendations for course changes


!nterest in making a course more effective

Instructor Competency KSA

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