The First 3 Minutes of Learning - Oh So Powerful!
I recently ran across this posting on the Elliott Masie's Learning TRENDS listserv. It is really interesting to ponder and I hope this gives you something to think about as you start the semesters.
The First 3 Minutes of Learning - Oh So Powerful! In those first 180 seconds, very key decisions and frameworks are established by and for the learner:
* 3 Minutes of a Class: The learner "sniffs" out the teaching style of the instructor and the level of energy of their fellow students. They see the role that PowerPoint might take. They remember why they were sent to the class and predict (on a percentage basis) of how likely they will get the objective. They even give a rating in the first 3 minutes to the efficiency, speed of learning, level of content and type of engagement. After teaching for 30 years, I feel that a large number of learners make a thumbs up or thumbs down rating in those sweet 180 seconds.
* 3 Minutes of e-Learning: The learner does a parallel process in the first 3 minutes (or even less) of an e-Learning or technology delivered offering. They look to see how much navigational freedom they have. They see if this a read and test, be the page type of behavioral offering. The learner decides what is the best or fastest way to complete the learning. They probe for the current or outdated nature of the content. Quick decisions are made in synchronous webinars about the possibility of multi-tasking for the next hour. And, once again, those first 180 second often lead to a rapid abandonment if participation is optional.
Madeline Hunter, one of the great educational researchers, calls these first moments key to "Anticipatory Set". What does the learner anticipate and how do they enter the learning process. Some of this can be shaped by any pre-event communications or contracting. But, those first 180 seconds are all about framing.