Tip #39: A Focus Question is an Experiential Learning Activity

A focus question is an experiential learning activity that will ensure a rich learning experience.  It is usually used at the beginning of a training session.

The Focus Question

What:

It is a question that the learners have sufficient information and/or experience to answer.

When:

Ask at the beginning of a lesson.

Why:

It is intended to facilitate the transfer of past learning to assist with the new learning.

How:

Ask the focus question of the entire group. Conduct large or small group discussions. Then document their responses on flip charts. Small groups report their conclusions to the larger group. They tape the flip charts on the wall as a reference point throughout the training session.

Length:

Eight minutes is sufficient for group brainstorming in response to a focus question. Another eight minutes is necessary to have the small groups report out their responses to the larger group.

Benefits:

A focus question helps the learners focus on the lesson’s content.
It hooks into the learners’ past knowledge and trigger a memory which can facilitate the current learning.
Their answers give the trainer important diagnostic information about the learners’ knowledge or skills.
It helps the trainer avoid teaching content that the learners already possess.
It reduces re-entry time after a break when learners consider the question during the break.

Now, it’s your turn! Correctly answer what level(s) of learning and learning preference(s) a focus question satisfies. If you can, we will send you a brand new one-minute technique guaranteed to keep your learners engaged! Please mail your responses to Deborah Laurel.

Level of Learning:

Learning Preferences:

Next week, we will report the winning responses and then explore another experiential learning activity: a game.

If your trainers would benefit from learning how to design and facilitate experiential learning activities, please book a call to discuss a tailored train-the-trainer program. https://laurelandassociates.com/contact/

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