Aug 30, 2021
At GLP we see “learning events” and “meetings” as distinct and unique gatherings. The principles and practices of a learning-centered approach apply to both, however, there are also differences that need to be considered.
The main difference:
- In learning events, we determine what learners want or need to learn that is new. As designers of these events, it is our responsibility to design a session to ensure this desired content is learned so there is the possibility of real change or impact as a result.
- In meetings, we determine what work participants want or need to accomplish/achieve together in the available time. It is our responsibility to design a session that does this so we can advance work or take action.
Here is the tricky bit… Meetings can have multiple purposes. They can be:
- to decide
- to work
- to offer input
- to review
- to plan
- to build a sense of team
As well, it is true that we often need to learn something in a meeting to be able to accomplish these things. For this reason, meetings can include the achievement: TO LEARN [a model, system, tool, policy, framework, process, etc.].
The criteria for including a learning component is simple. Ask yourself: Does the group need to learn something in order to:
- decide (we need to learn how our competitor does it)
- work (we need to learn a helpful framework)
- offer input (we need to learn a new feedback model)
- review (we need to learn three items to be especially attentive to)
- plan (we need to learn the 4-step process that will be used)
- build a sense of team (we need to know why this is needed at this time)
If the answer is Yes, then we may want to design a learning task (or tasks) within the meeting. The task(s) can follow a normal sequence for learning and include connections to previous knowledge or experience with the topic as well as an opportunity to apply the new knowledge and a next step “away” from the meeting.
Here is an example of a learning event within a GLP meeting to review a process for feedback.
How do you decide if a meeting should include a learning component?
Jeanette Romkema is GLP Senior Partner, Knowledge Broker, as well as Partnerships & Network Leader. Here are more GLP blogs by Jeanette.
Rachel Nicolosi is a GLP Partner and Communications Leader. Here are other GLP blogs by Rachel.
This blog originally published on August 30, 2021
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