HOW TO ENGAGE YOUR LEARNERS

Here are three principles you need to follow in order to make sure that your learners remain engaged and motivated to learn:

1. Have clear, specific learning objectives, related to what they are tasked to do well.  Determine how you will know if there is understanding (not just how, but also why).
2. Motivate them to learn.  Let them know you care about their situation, and are aware of the problem, and that you’re here to help them succeed.
3. Let them learn by thinking, not by reading / listening. Engage their minds, and hearts, and hands.  Create opportunities to reflect on the new information.  Teach them how to use information in context to make good decisions. 
   1. Use a problem-oriented approach, even in the wording of module titles. 
   2. Give them a forum where they can ask questions (blogsite?). 
   3. Make them reflect.  Create a learning journal? Go to a retreat to follow through.

Be guided by the following DESIGN RULES:

1. Let them choose where to go next (not linear, “step 1”, “step 2”).  Let them pull content, rather than push them through a line.
2. Use case studies, challenges.
3. Interact.  Make them answer questions.  Think workbook.
   1. Use multiple choice > 25% of the time.
   2. Use branched scenarios > 25% of the time.
4. Show them questions being asked and answered.
   1. Use FAQ types > 25% of the time.  – YM chat format?
5. Minimize use of bullet points < 25% of the time.
6. Use “you”.

Share your ideas and suggestions below.