Photo by: Nicola Katie via Canva
My favorite fiction genre to read is mysteries! I’ve always enjoyed them. From the first ones I remember reading as a kid—the Nancy Drew series—to my current mystery series. I think it has a lot to do with the formula and how the authors often end each chapter with a cliffhanger, a new clue, or something unexpected.
I like to think of each virtual classroom session as a chapter in a book. We want our virtual sessions to end with learners eager to apply their new skills and knowledge and with a sense of accomplishment.
These are three of my favorite ways to accomplish this level of engagement:
Share Key Takeaways
As you wrap up the virtual classroom session, ask the participants to reflect on their learning. I like to have them document their key takeaway and how they plan to apply their new skills back on the job. You can keep these reflections open-ended, ask specific questions, have them reflect individually, or get creative and have them share their key takeaways with their peers by adding them to the virtual classroom whiteboard or with a simple game.
Link Objectives Back to the Benefits
This is a powerful way for learners to buy into the content. Share the benefits of learning the new content at the beginning of the session and again at the end. Ask specific questions that allow learners to link their new learning back to those benefits. You can discuss any barriers they believe might impact their ability to apply what they learned.
Build Momentum for the Next Session
If there is another session in the virtual classroom series, build momentum just like those chapters in the mystery books. Hook the learners by sharing a preview of what they will experience in the next session, so they are eager to return.
I encourage you to try one of these strategies to celebrate your learners’ success and get them to look forward to the next training session.
Additional Resource: The Secret to a Captivating Virtual Classroom Session
If you’d like more tips on engaging your learners in the virtual classroom, check out our workshop, Maximizing Engagement in the Virtual Classroom.
