This Tip continues with Day Two of the second train the trainer, where there was disappointment, then success with the learning objectives and agendas.
“Euclid taught me that without assumptions there is no proof. Therefore, in any argument, examine the assumptions.” Eric Temple Bell
Disappointment, Then Success With Templates and Learning Objectives
Five Groups Understood
Five of the six groups got it exactly right. One group was a stitch. Their topic was solid waste disposal. While they waited for other groups to finish, they created “solid waste” consisting of an ecology duck inside a large water bottle, a trashcan with decorative trash, etc. etc. What a riot!
Disappointment
The sixth group (somewhat bullied by a supervisor person, I believe) got it absolutely, utterly wrong. There were two major problems. First, he had his own ideas about how the topic should be taught, so he went off on lots of tangents. Second, their program was really a skill building one, but they had used the attitude-changing template.
When I tried to coach them to the correct approach, the supervisor started to argue with me . He said point blank that he did not agree with my approach. At this point, I interrupted him and simply said that I was not going to argue with him. Then I called on the next group to report out.
Reteaching the Section
After the break, I discussed the need to reteach this section to make sure everyone was on board. This group was seated at the back, so I worked with flip charts at the back that were right next to them. There was a little confusion. But with some expert translation (thank you, Maha!!) they finally got it. I rewarded them all with devil ducks (upon their request).
Success
What was incredibly gratifying was when we worked on the next step in the lesson design process (create the agenda). This group chose to create brand new goals, learning objectives, as well as the agenda. Not only did they do it perfectly, they did it in 15 minutes! Talk about being committed to learning and applying what they learned!
For home practice, everyone is to create a complete lesson plan (with goals, learning objectives, learning activities, handouts, and means of evaluation). I’m keeping my fingers crossed that all of the time we have invested will be reflected in their results.
The Argumentative Supervisor Saw the Light!
At the end of the day, when they each stood to report their key take away, this supervisor admitted that he essentially had seen the light and saw the importance of a clear lesson plan structure and participatory activities. Hurray!!! The day began with disappointment, then success.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
