As a facilitator, I have gained the perspective that participants really want to participate in class. The days of the 8 hour lecture are gone. It is no longer the norm to conduct “On Hands” training where participants just sit on their hands all day and listen to a lecture. Instead, participants prefer “Hands On” training where they are truly involved in the learning process. How can we help this happen every time? Well, I’ve got 3 simple words for you. SET, GET, and LET will lead to success.
SET
Set participation expectations right from the start. Using a brainteaser is a great way to do this. Get the participants to talk with each other, come up with answers, write those answers in their books, and respond with an answer when asked by the instructor. These are all things we’d like our participants to do during class, so give them an opportunity as you begin the day. For brainteaser ideas, you may want to explore some of the books and other resources on our website.
GET
Getyour participants to be active at low points during the day. I’m sure you’ve heard about the “Post-lunch coma” that participants may experience right after lunch. To minimize the impact, be sure to immerse them in an activity when they return from lunch. One way to do this is with a jigsaw discussion. Let’s say you have 4 groups of 4 participants. Have each group split up so one person from each table is now part of a mixed group. We’ll call those groups A, B, C, and D. In their newly formed letter groups, they research some content, and answer specific questions like these:
- In your opinion, what are the key points within the content?
- How will you use this information back in your work?
Each participant needs to take notes while in their letter groups, so they are prepared to share what was discussed. Once the letter groups have completed their discussions, members return to their original groups. Then, they each share their findings, so all groups get the perspective of each letter group. This makes for a very “active” experience in the classroom.
LET
Let your participants get comfortable with a subject before discussing it as a large group. Have you ever led a discussion that felt more like talking to an oil painting? That may happen if the participants are not comfortable or confident in the subject matter. If this happens, or to avoid letting this happen, have your participants first talk about the topic in small groups. There they can share ideas and gain confidence in the subject. Then, transition to a large-group discussion. You will find your participants will contribute more freely and openly because they are more confident and comfortable. I have used this technique many times, and it is especially impactful when the participants are culturally diverse or they hold varied positions within an organization.
Training is not a spectator sport. If you SET expectations, GET participants to be active, and LET them gain comfort and confidence along the way, they will be set up for even greater success in the classroom and on the job.
Jim
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