Lab Journal Entry #?

Compiled by Ellen BehrensaLearninghttp://alearning.wordpress.com

Click the title to get started1Click the photo to continue.

Youre just back from another great conference and youre grateful you were invited to present.

2Click the highlighted message to open it.

You open your e-mail program to send a thank-you note when you see that youve received a message from your program contact:3

Click the message attachment icon to see the feedback.Its not likely youll get negative comments, right?

But the education director wants to have a conversation about this feedback, so lets take a look4

As usual, these comments are quite a mix its a wonder they were all in the same session!

What if you could ask the people who commented what they meant?Click the session feedback form to continue.5The beauty of this format is that we can do just that!

Lets start with the good news. Click the comment sheet to find out what seemed to have gone right for this learner, anyway.

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Click Nans photo to continue.7

Novice NanIt sounds as though Novice Nan absorbed a lot of great information and insight from your session, but left without the confidence she should have to apply what she was learning. Click Nans photo to continue.

What change can you make so novices attending your next session will leave more confident than Nan did? Click an option that fits what youre most likely to do, given Nans feedback.9

Click the photo to see the options again.Uh, oh. More Talking to your learners doesnt mean theyll get even more from your session. More likely theyll feel overwhelmed with so much to take in.

Nan didnt say she wanted more stories and examples, she said she wanted to feel more confidence in applying what she was learning.

What else could you do?10About Novice LearnersClick the photo to see more of your session feedback.According to Dr. Ruth Clark, those with less experience novice learners like Nan -- benefit from receiving new content in smaller chunks and getting frequent opportunities to practice what theyre learning.If you walk the group through a lot of information on the topic, the novices will probably respond by eagerly taking notes and absorbing all they can.

You just have to be careful not to overwhelm them.

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Click Eds photo to continue.17Click Eds photo to continue.

Expert EdOh, no! Somehow, in trying to cover all the points on your slides, you missed engaging Ed and anyone else who came into the room with a high level of experience in the topic area.

Unless this session wasnt meant for most experienced association members, youll want to find out how to reach the veteran learners in your group.18What change can you make so experts attending your next session will leave energized and with a new perspective, as Ed put it?

Click an option that fits what youre most likely to do, given Eds feedback.19

Although you shook some hands and met some interesting new colleagues, connecting personally with these expert learners wasnt enough to give them the insight or new perspective they hoped to get from your session.

What could you do instead that would be even more effective with these learners?Click the photo to see the options again.20Meet Dr. Ruth Clark

Click Dr. Clarks photo to find out more about expert learners.

24About Expert LearnersClick the photo to see more of your session feedback.According to Dr. Ruth Clark, those with more experience expert learners like Ed benefit from having more control over what theyre learning and how theyre learning it.

Case studies that engage participants in a real-world problem that needs to be solved are an effective way to engage expert learners. Expert learners also appreciate resources for further self-guided research and discovery.

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Click Ikes photo to continue.27Interactive Ike

You remember Ike He was the guy toward the center of the room who looked like he wasnt paying attention at all texting and staring at his cell or iPad.

You didnt think much about it youd heard about people texting during sessions, so you thought he was engaged.

Now you cant help wondering about the other people who were texting.Click Ikes photo to continue.28What is one way you could keep Ikes attention while staying on topic?

Click an option that fits what youre most likely to do, given Ikes feedback.29

Click the photo to see more of your session feedback.

Novices arent the only learners who need to practice. Learners who are actively engaged with the content are more likely to remember what theyre learning and lets face it if they cant remember it, whats the point?

You can increase the activity in your session in many different ways, depending on whether you want them to leave with new skills or a better understanding of a concept or principle.

30About Creating Interactive EventsYoull at least have tables and chairs.You might even have access to the Web.Most of all, youll have people who want to learn more about your sessions topic or they wouldnt be there.Click the center photo to continue.

35About Creating Interactive EventsDont forget about all of the opportunities around you local experts and venues are just waiting to be tapped.

What could you do to turn your session on its head?Click the top photo to continue.

36Examples of Interactive Events

Coffee/tea shop managers participate in a tea-tasting workshop.This group on the right identified issues, solutions, and best practices, adding to the notes originally created by earlier groups. The summary sent out after the event included dozens of ideas and suggestions.Click the photo above to see more of your session feedback.37

Click Ritas photo to continue.39Click Ritas photo to continue.

Relevant RitaRitas comment about needing to see how what shes learning relates to her life isnt unusual for adult learners. Adults dont want you to waste their time. Make it matter, make it efficient, and your adult learners will leave your session satisfied. But how can you do that?Click Ritas photo to continue.40

Click an option that fits what youre most likely to do, given Ritas feedback.What do you need to do in your next session to address the needs of adult learners? 41

This is a common and effective way to open a session, particularly a small gathering. It gives everyone a chance to say something early on, which is especially helpful for the more reticent learners. Learners with similar concerns or issues will be able to identify each other, which adds to their opportunity to connect as well.If you choose to do this, make sure you address the points mentioned.What else can you do to make the session relevant to learners?Click the photo to see the options again.

42Here is just one list summarizing key motivating factors for adult learners. Much more can be found in books and online. About Adult Learners.

Click the list for a brief review of your feedback insights.46Lets ReviewAdult need to have some control over their learning, so the more interactive the session, the more likely their need for relevancy will also be met. Small group activities are the best ways to engage learners, so break large groups up whenever possible so they can work on mini-projects together. Put yourself in their shoes: what would you want from the session? From other participants? From the location? Local experts? Open up the possibilities!Click the photo to continue.

You should be feeling better about the comments you received in your session feedback now that you have explored different ways you can address them.Keep in mind that the most elaborately designed events sometimes fall flat. Keep it simple, focusing on just two or three key learning outcomes. Now Are you feeling more prepared for that conversation with the education director?Good!And good luck!

Click the photo above to conclude this tutorial.49ResourcesClick the image above to conclude this tutorial.