Ten concrete steps for beginning a learning event - part one

September 11, 8:55 AMWorkplace Training and Development ExaminerLenn Millbower

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Show biz secrets for adult learning success.

This article provides the first five of ten concrete steps for beginning a learning event.

In the last article, Ice breakers are harmful to the learning process, we made the case that ice breakers - friviolous introductory activities that are not aligned with the content to be taught - disrupt learning. A specific path that steers clear of that ice while maximizing the first fifteen minutes of a learning program follows. Where it differs from the traditional ice breaker is in its focus on foreshadowing the learning to be acquired.

Step 1. Create a welcoming environment.

The classroom should be a welcoming invitation to learn. Ensure that the area is clean, orderly and free of junk. If it is morning, the smell of fresh coffee should embrace the trainees. Familiar music should comfort their ears. The room should be alive with subject-related items to touch. Visual stimuli that support key learning points should adorn the walls.

Step 2. Be a welcoming host(ess).

Personally welcome the participants as they enter. Treat the trainees as you would a guest entering your house. Greet them warmly. Thank them for coming. Take their wraps. Find them a place to sit. Offer them snacks or beverages.

Step 3. Acknowledge the class start time.

At the scheduled start time, acknowledge that the time is at hand. If you cannot start immediately, explain the reason why and honor those who showed up on time be providing them with something interesting to do that rewards their timeliness. You could use a word search puzzle, a value added video, etc.

In one leadership class for instance, this author covered the participant tables with quotes from famous leaders. The participants were then invited to select and post on the walls a quite they agree with. In this way, the people who arrive early get to decorate the room. In the process, they showcase learning points critical to later discussion and provide a direct connection with participant opinions.

Step 4. Introduce yourself.

Begin the session by introducing yourself, briefly, in thirty seconds or less. Do not offer your life story. No one but your mother cares. The learners have likely made up their mind about you already.

Step 5. Introduce the reason for program.

In under thirty seconds, and in clear language, state the reason for the training. Do not focus on objectives, just a general statement of why the participants are here.

In the next article we will list and describe the final five steps for beginning a learning event.