Keeping your training interesting means you can keep your students engaged in their learning, which then allows them to become more confident about themselves and what they are learning. When they are engaged they are more likely to take away information that they will draw upon for years to come. As an avid learner, I am always in a classroom, learning new and sometimes relearning old material. There are some times that the experience is so poignant to me that I take away and recall information given to me from years ago. These learning experiences are ones that really resonated with me, and I therefore am able to remember it, time and time again. This is what you are hoping for with your students.
As a trainer for many years I personally like to keep my room motivated, and having the students seeking additional information, interacting and wanting to learn. Even if you are training something that is very mundane, for my own sanity I need to have people engaged. So keeping it interesting, means you are engaged, as well as your learners. This should also be the case in face-to-face training and in any e-learning you are implementing.
So for face to face training here are 7 ideas for you to keep your sessions interesting:
- I always ask questions and pick random volunteers to keep the students wondering who you’re going to ask next. I know as a student this keeps me from going off on a tangent.
- Make the students lead. If it’s a class discussion or performance make them feel they are directing it. You are then the facilitator, remember to keep them on track, and support with the correct solutions if need be.
- Relate to real life. Provide examples of how this learning can relate to their own life, or work life. People want to know what is in it for them, so you need to relate to them.
- I love praise in all areas of my life, and training adults is no exception. Praise the ones that are engaged and taking part and the ones that show interest, allowing them to feel involved. People like to feel involved, and you may find the others follow.
- Use multiple teaching methods. Use discussions, case studies, games, video or other multimedia. Don’t be scared to change the course of a lesson – if they’re losing interest and you need to get them back on track with a different activity or short brain game. Have fun.
- Hold the students accountable for their assessments. They need to know that the learning will assist them and encourage them to undertake some self-learning to improve their assessment outcome.
- Know the boundaries – students need to know your expectations in the classroom and you need to motivate them through positive behaviour management. Be friendly but firm.
I also found an interesting article on Individual Learning Plans that describes a set of strategies to address the particular educational needs of students. The e-learning article can be found here.
