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3 Steps for Instructors to Improve Student Outcomes


As trainers, we all enjoy the thought of our students gazing into their bright future while pondering the transformative lesson we just delivered them. Can I get an 'amen'?

Like hitting a golf tee shot onto the green, it's a feeling that makes us want to keep doing it.

To get to that state of nirvana, however, we must understand and build a simple but important structure, first:

Step 1 - Establish the overall course objectives: What success looks like.

  • I.e. kick a soccer ball into the net and yell "golazo!"

Step 2 - Communicate a specific lesson's key point: The main idea or topic for each specific lesson.

  • I.e. the ball must cross the goal line to be defined as a goal

Step 3 - Deliver the lesson's content: The didactic portion of the material.

  • I.e. kicking technique: force, accuracy, etc.

Simple, right? Now here's the important part:

The Key Point (step 2) must be understood by the group before proceeding to the meat of the lesson in step 3.

  • Perhaps you ask them to repeat the key point back to you ...
  • Perhaps you ask them to sit in silence and to think purposely and deeply about the key point ...
  • Perhaps you ask them to share their interpretation of the key point with the person sitting next to them ...
  • Perhaps you ask them to write the key point in their journal ...

Lots of ways to achieve this so use what fits your situation.

Consider this:

An understanding of the key point is like a gate that everyone must walk through before entering the field of competence and competence.

An understanding of the key point is like a gate that everyone must walk through before entering the field of competence and competence. #betterinstruction via 

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Not only will we receive fewer, confused questions about the key point during the didactic phase, but the transformation our student's expect from us is now even more achievable.

I know that my instruction and lesson plans can improve in this area ... how about yours?

Mike McKenna

About the author

Mike McKenna is the founder and president of TEAM Solutions. He helps public and private sector leaders improve their outcomes before, during and after a planned event or unplanned crisis.

Please contact Mike via the Contact page.

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