How to Train an Audience With Diverse Needs
Teaching Students With Varying Levels of Skills and Prior Training
Sep 21, 2009
A common problem trainers face is how to teach multiple levels of instruction when a group of students or participants have a wide variety of backgrounds. Some participants may have many years of experience and are looking for a refresher of the topic or to learn about new developments and trends. Some participants may be attending because they are new to the company or new to their role and require more of a foundational level of training. Some participants may have a lot of formal training or education but have little experience outside of academia. How does a trainer manage a classroom of students who have diverse needs?
Break the Class Into Groups
Sometimes the best strategy when faced with a group of students with varying skill and educational levels is to break them up into groups and assign different tasks to each group in relation to their backgrounds. For example, the class could be split into three groups – beginner, intermediate and advanced. The advanced or more experienced group could receive an advanced case study that challenges them with multiple complex issues. The beginner group could be given a case study that is challenges them with one common issue whereas the intermediate group receives a challenge that involves one common issue and one complex issue. Participants can be placed into groups by:
- Students voluntarily putting themselves in the groups
- Using a set of criteria such as years of experience or education
- Using an assessment test to place students in the correct group
Partner Junior With Senior Students
Another solution to teaching a diverse audience is to partner the more experienced students with the junior students when group work is assigned. This allows the senior participants to practice their mentoring skills and are appreciated for their experience and the junior students benefit from the wealth of knowledge and perspectives of their more experienced colleagues.
Independent Study Workbooks
Creating or purchasing workbooks or text books for independent learning that offer readings and activities at various levels can work well for a class with students with multiple levels of skills. This option works well for more academic subjects like business math or writing but it also is a great option when teaching software such as the Microsoft Office Suite of programs (Excel, Word etc.).
Create Assignments with Varying Degrees of Challenge
Pre-reading, in class assignments and assignments that are to be completed outside of class time can be assigned to varying skill levels. Providing options to the students and allowing them to choose the level that suits their skill level is a great way to empower learning. It must be emphasized however, that students will not be graded based on the assignment they choose but on how well they meet the assignment’s grading criteria. The volume of work assigned should be the same with all assignments; only the level of complexity should differ.
It is rare to have a class where all participants have the same level of experience or education. However, good trainers see this as an opportunity rather than a problem and will create a dynamic learning environment for students. Designing training that responds to the needs of new employees and experienced employees creates a learning culture that understand the diversity of needs in business operations.
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