Why do workshops work so well in adult learning? Read on to see how we are incorporating workshops at AIIM24 and how you can use workshops as a powerful tool for adult learning.
As we approach the AIIM Conference 2024 in San Antonio, Texas, April 3-5, I am sharing some insights into the content and design of the event. Read my past posts on AI content at AIIM24 and incorporating storytelling techniques for our keynote speaker selection.
According to the AIIM Official CIP Study Guide, "change management should be a high priority in your information management program. Far more programs fail because of inadequate resourcing for change management than fail for technical reasons."
As information leaders, we need to be able to design relevant, timely, and effective training to ensure the successful adoption of policies and systems. In fact, the Study Guide goes on to list that one of the keys to successful change management is the ability to provide relevant and timely training.
There is an extensive body of knowledge around the difference between teaching children (pedagogy) and teaching adults (andragogy).
Think back to how you were taught as a child. As children, we came to classrooms with little prior experience. We listened to lectures and watched demonstrations from our teachers. We could succeed academically without contributing much to the experience, except our attention. Students are teacher-led.
Conversely, adult learners bring experience and knowledge which they can contribute to lessons. Adult learners can contribute content, help solve complex problems, and, often, their contributions are vital to the success of the lesson. Adult learners are typically self-directed. Learn more about andragogic instructional practices.
It's important to note, that education expert Malcolm Knowles established that pedagogy and andragogy are two ends of the same educational spectrum. There are times when lecture and conveying information is important and useful, but we should look for opportunities for peer-to-peer learning to enhance the learning experience.
Workshops are one of the best ways to provide peer-to-peer learning and experiential (aka hands-on) learning. So how does a workshop differ from a lecture-based educational session? Here are the defining characteristics of workshops that I have led or experienced:
As we were designing the educational program for AIIM24, we were focused on the importance of creating opportunities for more collaborative, in-depth learning. We love our quick-fire 30-minute sessions, but past event attendees and speakers gave us feedback on the need for longer learning formats that would accommodate collaboration and deeper conversations.
I am particularly proud of the number of workshops in agenda and that we were able to include all of these workshops are included in the registration fee.
Also, for an additional fee, participants can sign up for our Pre-Conference Workshop: CIP Exam Accelerator. This unique, all-day workshop led by Franz Gangl is your chance to join fellow exam takers for a final "cram session" and then take the exam in-person the following day.
If you are planning training for your employees, colleagues, or clients, I encourage you to incorporate workshops. In my experience, workshops lead to richer conversations, better retention of content, and provide more actionable takeaways.
If you are looking for inspiration, browse a library of facilitation techniques for adult learning at SessionLab. AIIM staff uses SessionLab regularly to craft agendas for events and meetings, including AIIM24.
Also, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control publishes "How to Captivate and Motivate Adult Learners," a guide for instructors providing in-person public health training. Even if you are not in public health, I think this guide provides a helpful worksheet for crafting workshops.
Then, take a look at how we are using workshops at AIIM24 to create a rewarding participant experience.