The learning environment is a vulnerable place for participants. When teaching adults and coming together with a new group, I will give the group the best possible start to encourage learning in a safe environment. Here are my tips.
Identifying participant needs
Collect the expectations and needs of the group. This way you will be able to manage participants’ expectations if you are not covering what they want.
Be clear about why we are here
Have a clear agenda of what your intentions are for the session. Keep in mind any promises that you make otherwise trust will be broken.
Sharing your expectations
Sharing your ideas of how this will work, such as the learner is responsible for their learning or any other expectations that you may have.
What are the participants concerned about?
Allowing the group to share concerns is a great way of airing anything that may be going on for them and provide the trainer with an opportunity to clarify any misunderstandings. Have limits around this discussion, if one or two participants have unreasonable concerns, it could take over your whole session with a negative vibe.
What extra support does each person need?
For me, being in the moment and being available for participants and really listening to what they want and supporting that is important to me. Provide some time after the session or alternative contacts for those who need additional help.
Transparency
Being able to put learners at ease and demonstrating that there are not tricks here, that we will keep it light and we are welcome to have some fun. How will you encourage this?
Collecting Feedback
Rather than collecting feedback at the end of the session or season or workshop, collect it throughout the session. This will give you clues to what needs to be adjusted in the moment and for next time.
How would you achieve the above?
From my experience:
- This will put everyone on the same page
- Establish group norms
- Be an open and transparent process
- A clear indication of how it is going to work for us as a group
- Support the learning