Learners In the Loop

Tip:
Do your evaluations ever come back saying that you were way over the teachers' heads? That you were going too fast? That you did not meet the learning objectives? One way to avoid this is by creating learner "buy-in" so that they know what to expect. In fact, an effective workshop is one where you get input from the participants to assist in the design and outcomes of the workshop. Here are some things to do:

  • Provide information to prepare them for the workshop: i.e. article or website to refer to.
  • Ask teachers to prepare for workshop by targeting a curriculum topic.
  • Present only one or two concepts at a time.
  • Check for comprehension as you go along.
  • Pair a beginner with one more advanced to support each other.
  • Give participants hands-on practice time and observe them.
  • Provide opportunities for more advanced students to move faster.

Chances are, participants' feedback will give high marks for being empathetic to their needs.

Submitted by:Barbara Bray

Image from:My eCoach eLibrary