This Tip provides sixteen reasons why participants should be encouraged to be willing to admit “I don’t understand.”
“You don’t understand anything until you learn it more than one way.” Marvin Minsky
Participants Should Be Willing to Admit “I Don’t Understand”
Trainers often say with great sincerity that “There are no poor questions.” Despite this clear encouragement, some learners are still hesitant to ask a question that will let others know they are having difficulty. This is a shame, because a learner’s lack of understanding is rarely a personal failure. It can just as easily be attributed to the trainer, the training content and/or the training techniques.
Learning is not a race where the person who understands first wins. The primary focus of any training program is to help all learners ultimately be successful. A learner needs to let the trainer know there is a problem. Otherwise, the trainer may snever realize there is a need to reteach the content and the learner will remain frustrated.
When learners are willing to admit that they don’t understand a concept or technique, everyone benefits: the individual, the trainer and the other learners in the workshop. There are many reasons why asking for help is the best thing to do:
It’s Honest and Indicates Commitment to Learning
1.It’s honest.
2.It indicates the learner’s sense of ownership and commitment to learning.
Shows Learner Wants to Understand and Doesn’t
3.It shows that the learner wants to understand.
4.It means that the learners have seriously tried to work it through by themselves and come to a dead end.
Reflects Trust and Gives Feedback
5.It reflects the learner’s degree of comfort with and trust in the trainer.
6.It gives the trainer important feedback.
Highlights Key Stumbling Blocks and Requires Alternative Training
7.It puts a spotlight on key learning stumbling blocks.
8.It challenges the trainer to focus on alternative ways to deliver the information.
Forces a Real Level and More Useful Examples
9.It forces the learning down to a real rather than a theoretical level.
10.It requires the trainer to dig deeper to discover more useful examples.
Frees to Try Again and Benefits Others
11.It frees the learner and trainer to try again.
12.It benefits those who were similarly confused but uncomfortable asking for help.
Increases Teamwork and Successful Outcomes
13. It encourages teamwork as co-learners try to help each other better understand.
14.It increases the likelihood of successful learning outcomes.
Provides Sense of Accomplishment and Enriches Learning
15.It paves the way for a real sense of accomplishment once understanding is achieved.
16.It enriches the learning process for everyone.
So, trainers, encourage your learners to let you know as soon as possible when they are having difficulty. And learners, recognize and admit when you need help. The trainer and your co-learners will appreciate and benefit from your honesty.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
