active learning

Key Skills For Building Learner Engagement

Posted on by Seniye Groff

I recently presented at a national conference on the topic of learner engagement.  Participants in my session were struggling with students in their classrooms that appeared to be uninterested and not engaged in the learning in the classroom.  In my session I reminded my participants that adult learners have a few unique goals when learning something.  These include:

  1. Learn by four different learning styles (feeling, watching/listening, thinking, doing)
  2. The content was important to job or interests.
  3. The class was engaging.
  4. The class included opportunities to try the new skill.
  5. The class was given a clear path for using the new skill after the class was over.

I also mentioned Daniel Pink.  Pink in his 2009 book, “Drive” talks about motivation in depth.  Instructors must design with motivation in mind.  Some ways to do this are:

  • Create an environment that makes people feel good about participating
  • Give learners autonomy
  • Keep the system as open as possible.

Some strategies to do what Pink suggests include building collaboration projects in the classroom, allowing learners to learn what they want and how they want and allowing students to teach other students.

Ultimately I believe that an effective classroom must include discussion, activities and an active lesson structure.  Learners need to feel in control of their own learning so that they can connect the dots of how this new information, skill or process ties into their overall success on the job or in their lives.

How have you seen this done?  Send me a message!

Engage Passive Learners

Posted on by Seniye Groff

According to the January 2013 issue of “Chief Learning Officer” 60% of people are passive learners. I find this so interesting because when I design classes or content, I always focus on “active learning”. I want my learners to engage with the content, to actually have to use the new knowledge to change behavior. Randy Emelo suggests, “learning professionals need to construct learning environments, events and programs that encourage active participation and speak to employees in ways that trigger an innate need and desire to learn.

Sounds easy but it is actually pretty difficult. Think about all the “training” you have attended that is essentially information sharing. You are not asked to construct “new” knowledge or use the new skills and behaviors in thought-provoking, meaningful ways. Certainly social media has aided in engagement and collaboration, but more often than not, there are many that are “lurkers” staying in the background rather than getting involved in the conversation. But tap into someone’s passions or allow them to be an “expert” and motivation can increase. I think Trip Advisor does this really well. I was reminded of this during my recent trip to Palm Springs. When we wanted suggestions for things to do or places to eat, I would search Trip Advisor’s reviews. I was then compelled to “give back” by writing reviews after I visited places. And then Trip Advisor acknowledged my contributions by giving me a “contributor” badge and when another reader finds my review helpful, I get an email telling me someone thought my review was helpful. Genius!

The article suggests some ideas to foster active learning:
1. “Set up learning environments and systems that are personally motivating.
2. Look for systems that have push and pull.
3. Reward and recognize people for building the organization’s learning culture.”

Check out the complete article: http://read.clomedia.com/publication/?i=138586&p=32