Hand-holding is Boring
I’ve had a challenging group of learners. Some are bored with the material because it is too basic, some are checked out because it is too difficult, and most just don’t want to be there. I have been falling into the temptation of spoon-feeding the material to the learners, holding their hands and making it as easy on them as possible. Why is this even a temptation when it makes the learning experience miserable for the trainers and trainees alike?
But yesterday we hit a breakthrough. I held my breath, crossed my fingers, and dropped a challenging case study on the table before the learners. I expected heavy sighs and dramatic eye-rolls. This is too hard. We don’t want to be here. Just present the material and let us go. Don’t make us think!
Instead, each group dug through the case study like archeologists searching for the evidence that would solve the problem. They discussed their prior knowledge and shared insights gained from previous experience. They worked until the last minute of the session, unaware of how much time had passed.
John Dewey claimed that “when things have to be made interesting, it is because interest itself is wanting” (Interest and Effort in Education). I have learned that jazzing up an e-learning module with fancy graphics or spicing up an ILT session with fun facts does not motivate the learners. The material itself has to be made interesting. Here are some ways we can do this:
Make it challenging – group learners by experience to ensure you are challenging all levels, or mix it up to allow the more experienced learners to teach and mentor.
Make it personal - let the learners share their related experiences
Make it engaging - tell a gripping story that communicates the main idea.
Make it project-based – allow the learners to explore and be creative.
Make it real – all learners should see how the learning experience applies to their everyday job.
We cannot force our learners to engage with the material. We can’t even bribe them with snacks! No, we have to spark interest and draw them in. Then we are truly teaching and not just telling.
