WORKSHOPS
Many workshops can be boring and the above can happen! however if planned properly for the right audience what you will have is this:
What
is a workshop?
A workshop is a
short but intensive session an instructor can use to educate people on a
particular topic or teach them a set of skills needed to do something (http://www.merriam-webster.com/dictionary/workshop). Workshops are usually done with not many people so as to lend to
the intensive atmosphere. People usually engage in activities and discussions
and the instructor will facilitate the process which can either be structured,
semi-structured or informal. Workshops
also provide an opportunity to teach-learn from each other and provide an
opportunity to practice skills and receive feedback (http://www.slideshare.net/CEMCA/how-to-conduct-a-workshop-cwbw-workshop-planning-final-28032013
).
To workshop the new Information Literacy
Framework one could split the Frames across 6 sessions so that we could zoom in
on that particular Frame or do it across 2 days and cover 3 Frames per day. A
one day workshop on the Framework will not be sufficient as it is still very
new and participants will likely ask many questions or need time to internalise
the information.
Why
would you give a workshop?
Workshops allow an instructor to focus on
a specific topic or subject and allow participants to be taken out of their
daily environments thus minimizing distractions. It allows participants to give
their input in a safe learning environment. Workshops are an effective way to
reach more people at one time (http://ctb.ku.edu/en/table-of-contents/structure/training-and-technical-assistance/workshops/main
). Focusing on IL Framework the workshop setting will provide us with a way of
promoting the Framework and educating others on it. It provides a way to get
input from others and their thoughts and insights on the Framework.
Who
is your target audience?
Library personnel in the public libraries
When
would you want to conduct a workshop?
When new information has been made
available in a specific field or when new legislation or policies are being
introduced. Like the IL Framework is still new to the LIS field we would like
to have workshops to discuss it.
How
do you conduct a workshop?
PHASE 1: PRE-WORKSHOP
- Decide on the objectives & purpose of workshop
- Select participants (availability, prior skills etc)
- Secure a suitable venue (learning aids, seating, accessibility)
- Draw up the agenda
- Plan the logistical arrangements
PHASE 2: WORKSHOP
- Welcome everyone and have introductions
- Set some ground rules
- Create opportunity for interaction
- Plan Ice breakers and Energizers
- Use different methods to demonstrate during the workshop e.g. presentations, discussions and group activity
PHASE 3: POST WORKSHOP
- Obtain feedback from the participants – evaluation
- Prepare a report of the workshop (http://www.slideshare.net/CEMCA/how-to-conduct-a-workshop-cwbw-workshop-planning-final-28032013)
“The workshop's goal
should be at the center of all your planning. Creative exercises will get
everyone relaxed and involved, and don't forget to follow up afterward:
Although it can be scary to hear what people really thought of all your hard
work, it's the only way you'll improve your next event” https://www.mindtools.com/pages/article/PlanningAWorkshop.htm
Thank you Nizam, for a very informative discussion on workshops. I like the way you integrated the IL Framework into your reasons for, and ways in which the workshop can be conducted. I do however, tend to disagree with your opinion of not being able to workshop the frames in one day. I run three-hourly workshops that cover a presentation as well as group activities. Planning is essential...sometimes participants (lecturers, librarians etc) are unbale to avail themselves for longer than one particular day.
ReplyDeleteI am looking forward to your presentation.