Teaching Skills: checking understanding

Tools for Teaching Navigation

Tools for Teaching: Introduction

Facilitation Skills: The art of group facilitation

Teaching and Presentation Skills: Keep these techniques in mind

Tips for Programs: Practical examples and resources

3. Building a Rich Body

Checking for Understanding

It is important to check for understanding – to be sure that your message is understood. It can take the form of very simple strategies including:

  • Asking participants questions and tying their responses back into the presentation.
  • Asking them to give examples of how they would apply an idea.
  • Studying their nonverbal language (looks of uncertainty, agreement).
  • Having participants turn to their neighbor and summarize what you just said.

It’s not what is taught but what’s caught.    (Morrisey, 1997)

Reference:

Morrisey, G.L., Sechrest, T.L., & Warman, W.B. (1997). Loud and clear: How to prepare and deliver effective business and technical presentations . Reading, MA: Addison Wesley Longman, Inc.

Adapted with permission from Soil and Water Conservation District Outreach: A Handbook for Program Development, Implementation and Evaluation. Ohio Department of Natural Resources, Division of Soil and Water Conservation, 2003.