Deliver
Once the learning event has been designed, there are several tools and methods that assist with delivering the event. Below are a few concepts that have impacted my approach.
Reflection
Reflection is when the learner takes time to note their ideas, thoughts, emotions, observations, and considerations about the learning experience.
Why is it important?
Provides time and space to record thoughts and observations
Assists the learner with absorbing the material
Helps make meaning for the learner
Sets up the learner to conceptualize the experience
Personal Perspective:
Revisiting Kolb and Kolb’s Experiential Learning Cycle, reflection is an important step in the learning process. It allows the learner to pause and consider their experience and then sets them up to identify themes from those reflections.
When I was learning about the EL Cycle, and specifically the role of reflection, I created an infographic (see below right) that helped me grasp the difference between the reflection and conceptualization modes; I call this the “Bubble Up” model. The learner reviews all of their reflections and then certain themes “bubble up” to the surface. These themes help the learner discover how they could apply their new learnings (conceptualization) and then test these applications (experimentation).
Prior to my master’s program, I did not consider reflection as an important learning tool, as either a student or a facilitator. However, now I understand the power and value that reflection has on my own learning and in turn, on my approach as an educator.
Work Sample:
Experiential Learning Cycle
(Kolb & Kolb, 2017, p. 11)
Bubble Up Model
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Movement
Why is it important?
Helps create and trigger memories
Prepares the brain for learning
Increases motivation and engagement
Helps transfer information from short to long term memory
(Tate, 2012)
Personal Perspective:
I have always enjoyed participating in movement activities during a learning event because it provides a nice break, it is fun, and it gets the learners and the facilitator re-focused. However, until recently I did not truly understand the impact that movement has on learning. I was pleasantly surprised about the scientific evidence that connects the relationship between movement and learning and I think it is important to explain why movement is important to the learners. This context will help with motivation and participation in the activities.
Resources:
Flipped Classroom
A flipped classroom scenario is when the lecture is conducted prior to a live class session (typically via video recording); the live session focuses on active learning activities.
Why is it important?
Arranges for foundational learning prior to live session
Provides flexibility for the adult learner
Allows live session focus to be on active learning techniques
Fosters engagement
Personal Perspective
I am a big fan of this technique and leverage it whenever I can. The argument for using this method is particularly strong for adult learning; it provides flexibility for the learner, allowing them to choose when to watch the lecture. It also maximizes the classroom time to be focused on active learning activities. These are crucial elements for adult learners who may have challenging schedules. Additionally, it gives the learner an important share of the responsibility. Some traditional definitions state that the pre-session homework is a "lecture" (Simonson et al., 2019), but I don’t think it necessarily has to be. It could be designated reading, a video someone else has made, etc. The important aspect for me is that it is foundational learning done prior to the live session. Additionally, it is important that the "lecture" videos are short to keep the learner engaged. If there needs to be multiple short videos/presentations, that is fine; in my opinion that is a better option than one long recording.
Note: A Flipped Classroom is not the same as Flipped Learning. A Flipped Classroom is a technique or method as described in this section. Flipped Learning is an entire "pedagogical approach" (Flipped Learning Network, 2014). There are certainly overlapping elements between the two, but I wanted to point out the distinction. I have provided links below for further reading.
Resources:
Distance Learning Considerations
The underpinnings of adult learning theories are similar whether the learning environment is face-to-face or at a distance. Thus, how to implement the learning theories when working in a distance environment becomes an important factor.
Resource:
Engagement Tools
Considerations for distance learning delivery:
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