I’ve been a seminar leader and presenter for over 20 years and I’ve seen a noticeable change in my learners and audiences in the last five years, especially with young professionals.
We’ve always known that adults learn by doing and applying concepts back on the job. But it’s never been as important as it is now. With Gen X and Y, we are leading learning for extreme computer literates who are very analytical and used to trying different angles to reach an answer. On the computer, there are always options, alternatives, and tools to reach conclusions. Our computer generations expect that learning will be like that. And our Baby Boomer learners are joining in.
The days of a 40-minute discussion on one question are gone. Today I can float a question, gather ideas, pull in job application via breakouts or role practice and summarize—all in 40 minutes. If you’re designing instruction, you need to be VERY skilled.
We can build on these wonderful new key strengths of today’s learner skills—strengths such as desire for action and innovation, analytical skill, the ability to try different approaches and to not be afraid of failure the first time around.
What can the learning leader do?
Check back often, “How’s everyone doing with this?â€
Ask what-if questions.
Ask for arguments.
Encourage problem solving in more than one way.
Take frequent breaks.
Bring visuals in and out frequently.
Blend the flip chart or white board with computer visuals.
Mingle groups and partners frequently.
Encourage Internet-based or ezine pre-work.
Bring different generations into the leadership of the session.
What can the presenter do?
Be solid with the facts on your customer’s business.
Be solidly confident of any technology used on the platform.
Be expertly aware of current events and technologies.
Be aware the current entertainment and social scene so you can relate to a group’s interests in other dimensions.
Encourage application via great handouts, brief interchanges, and short interactions.
