Check Your Pace

     There are many popular training models such as train the trainer, coaching, or early adopters. Each of these takes their own approach to professional development. According to Pearson Prentice Hall, one of the world’s leading book publishers, 65% of the population are visual learners, 30% are auditory, and 5% tactile. Most people are some combination of all three. As coaches, teacher leaders, and others that facilitate learning prepare; a visual should always be in place for trainings. In addition to visuals and more traditional preparation, pacing of sessions is rarely planned.

     After introducing a new idea, it’s important to practice and then practice some more. Typically professional development time is squeezed in to a time slot that is often limited. Pacing is extremely important to best utilize the time that’s available for training.

     Once a new idea is introduced, it is important to build in work time. Sometimes once trainers get started, they keep going forgetting that participants may not be logged in or at the correct screen and/or website before continuing. In today’s “insta-world” that we live in, it’s difficult to pause and wait. Wait time is also crucial for our students. Students have trained educators, when they don’t answer right away the answer is usually provided for them. These same pauses are necessary when working with adults.

     One of the phases of the ADDIE training model is Implementation. During this phase, learners are given new tools and practice time. Formative assessments are built in to monitor along the way. This also can be integrated into professional development by attaching an activity to each learning objective to reinforce practice and wait time.

As you’re planning your next training consider T2P – Time 2 Practice so that participants get the most out of workshop. Slow down and pace yourself.