This Tip discusses why trainers don’t teach learners what they already know, so there is time for new learning and practice.
“If time be of all things the most precious, wasting time must be the greatest prodigality.” Benjamin Franklin
For the next series of Tips, we’re going to go back to basics.
For example:
Don’t Teach Learners What They Already Know
If you have six hours to accomplish six learning objectives, do not allocate one hour for each objective. We never have all the time we want for a training program. As a result, you don’t want to waste time teaching something that people already know.
In addition, teaching what learners already know is disrespectful of their knowledge and experience.
Instead, think about what the learners may already know. Then check for their level of learning, using an interactive exercise, such as a discussion question, a questionnaire, or a case study.
Working in small groups, the participants will have an opportunity to demonstrate their knowledge and/or prompt each other to remember the information.
In this fashion, you may be able to cover two or three of the learning objectives in an hour or so.
Once you’re sure that everyone is on the same page, you can begin to teach new knowledge and skills.
Allocate Time for Skill Practice
In a participatory training program, the bulk of the training time should be directed at enabling the participants to practice their new skills.
Since hands on practice takes time, of the six hours you might allocate two or more hours to skill practice. This might include scripting and conducting a role play in groups of three. They would alternative who observes while the other two role play.
Keep in mind, you’ll also want to plan time for debriefing each of the groups, assuming no more than eight triads.
So, remember. Don’t teach learners what they already know.
May your learning be sweet.
Deborah
