This post was structured around the evaluation form sent out after a Virtual Class With Michael Cox – MCX Training & Development supported by Waterford Skillnet
Training was very relevant, delivered at a high standard and appropriately timed; facilities were suitable and participation was encouraged. The training met my objectives and I had the opportunity to applied the skills and knowledge at a meeting the following week.
The most useful part of the training was learning the process, and Michael’s presentation was very interactive and memorable. In particular I liked the reference to people, specifically politicians when giving examples of beneficial group behaviours.
Aspects that may be improved:
- Icebreaker at the start to ‘warm’ everyone up eg. what’s your covid19 band name = one word to describe how you feel + a colour you are wearing + the last a snack you ate in a day that you thought would last a week! answer in chat, host reads it out.)
- Time for Self-Introductions during group work.
As a result of the training I will applied the process to a meeting which ensured a good initiation with attention to time limits. A good initiation leads to a good session and a good close!
Q. Any suggestions or additional comments:
Both break out rooms lacked depth, and participants (including myself) didn’t ask probing or clarifying questions. It may have been of benefit if the instructions were emphasised more, i.e. discuss one character first, applying the digging deeper process on one potentially ‘worst character’ rather than a quick-fire question round on each one. Michael did say give instructions beforehand and there were time constraints, but after entering the break out meeting, it was harder to do in realtime. Maybe a short checklist at the end of the scenario would help. However, if the exercise was to develop learning through identifying improvements rather than practicing, it was very successful. A great exercise.
Other Reflections:
During the session Michael’s fun and positive approach ensured it began in a warm and fertile space (Marshall, L) and friendly atmosphere, initiation techniques can be used for presentations too! Ten group participants were an ideal number and the break out sessions reduced the barriers for participation, inclusive of all personality types. I look forward to the next training session and thank Waterford Skillnet for the courses and also the feedback form that prompted this reflection.
Consolidated learning: Reflection from PACT, HTML5, semantic web html, learning from Global Education Events Learning Revolution Webinars.
Ref: Marshall, H.W. (2020) SOFLA: Synchronous Online Flipped Learning Approach [Webinar]. Available at: https://youtu.be/ZvDL6MSa8f8 (Accessed: 8 April 2020).