Using Simple Topics for Applying New Concepts in Workshops
We all know that it helps to use simplified examples to illustrate a new technique, method or concept. So when putting on a workshop for faculty, or if a faculty member wants to try out something new, use a very simple task or idea to apply to the technique or method. In fact, trainers can assign a variety of simple topics to faculty groups in the training activity by choosing topics on slips of paper from a hat (or similar method).
For example, when working with writing objectives and choosing accompanying learning activities, use a simple task such as baking cookies or building a house of cards rather than a specific topic or task from the faculty member’s content area. This will remove the added layer of content expert “turf,” since the actual content being used in the application is simple common knowledge, and will allow the faculty and trainer to focus purely on the application of the educational concept or method. This allows for better peer critique and discussion, too.
When done in a workshop, it is also fun to see how creative faculty can be in the results they present to the group. I was amazed at how creative faculty can be when teaching peer groups how to change a car tire or build a wooden planter box when practicing application of backwards design for a lesson. This made for a very fun and educational experience to see how much effort and creativity went into the activity while also being able to clearly determine how well faculty were able to apply the concepts when they weren’t worrying about teaching their peers something in their own expert domain.
Once the faculty understand the technique or method more clearly, then an actual content area topic or task can be used in the application, but this most likely will be done by the faculty when prepping for the actual use for their instruction and outside of the workshop.
Submitted by:
Kerry Gregoryk, Ph.D.
DMU Logo
Director
Center for Teaching and Learning
"mailto:Kerry.gregoryk@dmu.edu"
"https://www.dmu.edu/ctl"
Julie Damerell
Transitional Studies
11/17/2015 |