When I was hired to develop educational workshops for the organization I work for I had no formal training in adult education and training. My organization is famous for putting together full day power point slide shows and they force adults to sit and listen. Not surprisingly this method was not effective in changing behavior.
Developing instructional plans I believe is what sets apart a boring workshop with participants not engaged from an engaging workshop that leaves participants inspired to implement the material in their lives and workplaces. I also believe this what sets apart a workshop that was developed by a skilled facilitator versus someone who is simply a subject matter expert.
Ensuring the delivery of a workshop meets the needs of learners you as a facilitator have to understand those needs and have access to resources on how to meet those needs. Developing an appropriate instructional plan takes time and skill.
Well developed instructional plans leads to engaged participants who leave the room feeling energetic and inspired to action.
I am curious to know how you adapted to your new role, what you changed through "just knowing" and what you had to learn to manage these new responsibilities? It sounds like it had all the potential for anxiety producing moments!
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