In our training practice, we often come across adult learners who resist reading. Exercises and activities which require some critical reading are ingeniously avoided – anything but reading! Try this activity for your reluctant readers.
You need:
- A diagram, a new piece of machinery or a set of key notes that has to be mastered. You will need one copy for each learner.
- A pack of index cards.
You do:
- Divide the learners into small groups.
- Hand out a pack of index cards to each group.
- Tell the learners that you are going to read some critical information to them. Read out the captions of the diagram, the names of the parts of the machine, or the headings in the notes. Repeat if necessary.
Ask learners to jot down three WHAT IS …? questions that have struck them as they listened to you. They should write each question into an index card and stick it up on a whiteboard or flip chart in clear view of everyone.
Hand each learner a copy of the material. In groups, the learners should read the text or study the diagram to find the answers to all or a selection of questions. As they find the answers, they should write them on index cards and place them on cards next to the questions. If some questions are not answered by the reading they should be set aside and referred to the trainer if relevant.
The beauty of this exercise is that is based upon the principle that we only learn when we have identified a question to which we want an answer. It involves learners in their learning, it involves a variety of learning styles – and it can be applied to virtually any subject.