Do Learners' Perceptions Change Over Time?

   

​ As a facilitator of adult learning, I can use a variety of tools to assess participants’ changing knowledge and skills. But I am always excited to find an idea that involves the learner in reflecting on his or her own change. This simple strategy – Before and After Illustration – can be used with most content and only takes a few minutes.
 

How to:
1. Ask everyone to draw a line down the middle of a piece of paper. 
2. At the beginning of your session, direct learners to draw an image on the left side that represents the topic. This image can be a symbol, a stick figure – something simple. Emphasize that no artistic talent is needed. 
3. Near the end of your session, ask learners to draw an image on the right side that represents the topic now that they have explored it with you. 
4. Direct everyone to pair up or share with colleagues at their table to discuss the changes in their images, perceptions and knowledge base. 
  
Virtual Variation
 
Follow steps 1-3. Then ask participants to take a photo of their paper and email it to you. Share your screen and open up your email for everyone to see the photos. (I use a dedicated Gmail account for this purpose so that no one sees any confidential email messages.)

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Want more ideas to wake up your training? Attend one of my sessions at ATD ICE 2019 in Washington, D.C., check out my newest book here, or contact me to discuss bringing virtual training to your company.