Preparing better programs

Knowing adult learning styles guarantees results.
By Bonnie Wallsh

What makes a meeting a must-attend for you and your attendees? During these turbulent economic times, it is critical for meeting planners to focus on the learning outcomes for attendees. The learning process is not simply based on content but also must be practical, do-able and based on true needs, providing information and skills that attendees can use immediately when they return to work.
Begin by performing a needs assessment of your prospective attendees. Develop a collaborative relationship with meeting sponsors and instructors, ascertaining what participants will learn as a result of participating in the program. Determine what learning methods are most appropriate to fulfill your needs and objectives. According to workplace learning consultant Marcia Conner, “Learning for adults is less about taking in new information than it is about connecting with people who help put that information in context and suggest new ways of understanding it, not just by facts but through stories, seeing patterns and discovering new ideas.”
As you are creating or partnering with your colleagues in identifying your meeting objectives, consider how you will evaluate the learners’ needs in selecting program design, content, activities and facilitator. Follow up with your attendees immediately, one month, three months and six months out to evaluate whether your objectives were fulfilled.
There are three basic learning styles: visual, auditory and kinesthetic. Visual learners prefer presentations with visual images that clarify or demonstrate points. Auditory learners retain information best through their sense of hearing. Kinesthetic learners enjoy playing with items on the table such as stress balls, Legos, Play-Doh, Tinkertoys, etc., while participating in learning experiences. It is critical to consider the different learning styles of your attendees as you plan your program.
Think about the best and worst programs you have ever attended. Why do they stand out in your mind? Engage your attendees with their mind, body and spirit. Get them involved by keeping topics interesting and meaningful and selecting speakers who are passionate, knowledgeable and enthusiastic and include interactive exercises. Begin engaging your audience by building anticipation and creating social networks before the meeting starts. Continue the process during and after the meeting.
Provide lots of water and snacks and create the right physical environment with ergonomic chairs, comfortable room sets and opportunities to move around. Breaks should be scheduled every 90 minutes. Awaken attendee’s spirits with music, excellent lighting and motivational sayings. Involve your audience with innovative educational techniques such as brainstorming, Q-stormingTM, creating a Mind MapTM and facilitating an open space meeting. With brainstorming, participants contribute creative ideas that are not initially judged for merit. Q-storming, which was developed by Marilee Adams, Ph.D., involves a flexible series of questions from different perspectives. Mind mapping, created by Tony Buzon, is useful for generating ideas through associations. Start with the main idea and work outward in all directions, producing an organized structure with key words and images. Open space sessions are breakouts in which topics of conversation emerge from the group. Use case studies and small group activities to actively involve participants. Provide opportunities for attendees to learn from one another in addition to the speakers and facilitators. Keep in mind the familiar saying, “Tell me and I’ll forget. Show me and I may not remember. Involve me and I’ll understand.”
Don’t forget to consider the impact of generational issues and cultural diversity on adult learning. Each of the four major generations learn differently and have different frames of references: Traditionalists were born before 1946, Baby Boomers between 1946 and 1964, Generation X between 1965 and 1980, and Generation Y (Millennial) after 1981. Meetings, even those within the U. S., are international since we have people of different races and ethnic backgrounds in our sessions. It is important to be aware of how attendees from different cultural backgrounds learn most effectively. And it can be thrilling when you ignite the passion in your attendees and motivate them to take action.