Preface. Most professionals are required to attend training meetings, workshops and classes in order to learn new and pertinent information. Because of such, trainers who are responsible for teaching should feel obligated to make their presentations memorable. Participants should feel that their time was well spent and that the material presented was pertinent and applicable.
A few effective strategies, if employed, would help participants retain information and gain a more thorough understanding of material and concepts presented. Tate presents 20 brain compatible learning strategies that are applicable to what happens in a presentation as well as the follow up activities that are critical for long term retention and behavior change.
Some of these strategies include brainstorming and discussion, field trips, games, humor, movement, technology, role plays, visuals and writing.
These strategies incorporate the tenets of both learning style theory and brain research, allowing teachers to plan and deliver powerful presentations that have the potential to change behavior and outcomes. It is important to note that both the initial presentation of new information as well as follow up activities are essential for long term change.
Strategy 1. Brainstorming and Discussion. This strategy involves dialogue between participants and the trainer. Students who engage in brainstorming and discussion are able to master and retain a great deal of information and content. Dialogue (the sharing and interpretation of ideas) helps adults achieve deeper meaning.
The author offers a variety of activities to help participants brainstorm and share ideas without fear of reprisal or humiliation in a teaching setting. He gives the DOVE guidelines for brainstorming. Participants Defer judgment, only One idea at a time, a Variety of ideas are encouraged, and everyone directs his or her Energy to the task.
Some ways to encourage dialogue include having participants work in cooperative groups to complete assignments, form groups based on interest in particular topics, give short time limits to brainstorm concepts learned in a prior class, work in cooperative groups to brainstorm as many answers as they can come up with to a designated question, etc.
WHAT I HAVE LEARNED: Participants are more likely to have a memorable experience and retain pertinent information if presentations are engaging and incorporate activities that help participants interact with other participants through dialogue and brainstorming activities. Advance planning with the end in mind is critical in creating powerful, memorable presentations. Initially, preparing for a seminar can be a lot of work. However, with a few well orchestrated strategies to facilitate learning, trainers can help participants instruct one other. This method of teaching helps learners be more responsible for outcomes instead of depending solely on the teacher to disseminate information. A great concept!
Again, great summary, and one I think you'll be able to refer to again and again. I'd like more reflection from you about where you've seen these used, how you plan to use them, and so on.
ReplyDelete