This Tip discusses the fact that true learning requires reflection and there are a number of ways to build it into a training program.
“We do not learn from experience… we learn from reflecting on experience.” John Dewey
It has always been an important closing activity for my skill-building workshops. I have the participants identify their key learning or their key take away.
When appropriate, I use an action plan. The participants identify:
- their key challenges,
- what they will do to address these challenges, and
- their significant learning.
Sometimes I close with a paired walk-about activity. The participants pair up and explain to each other how they plan to use their new learning.
Katrina Schwartz has written an article titled: “Don’t Leave Learning Up to Chance: Framing and Reflection.” It helped me realize that these closing activities are important. This is because they require that the participants to reflect on their learning. And according to Jackie Gerstein, true learning requires reflection.
Gerstein expands on reflection in learning, pointing out that it applies to the process of learning itself.
She explains this reflection process with a wonderful infographic. Gerstein uses some language more appropriate to children. However, I think that this model can be easily adapted for adults.
You can read the article about Gerstein’s approach to framing and reflection at: https://ww2.kqed.org/mindshift/2016/09/14/dont-leave-learning-up-to-chance-framing-and-reflection/
What do you think about this?
May your learning be sweet,
Deborah
