Training from the Back of the Room Courses
Training from the Back of the Room
What is Training from the Back of the Room?
Training from the Back of the Room is an approach to designing and delivering learning experiences. Based on Sharon Bowman’s books “Training from the Back of the Room” and “Using Brain Science to Make Learning Stick”, this method leverages the science behind how the human brain learns.
When designing learning experiences, lessons are structured to address 4 Cs:
- Connections: What does the learner already know about the topic?
- Concepts: What does the learner need to know about it?
- Concrete Practice: Can the learner do it or teach it to someone else?
- Conclusions: How does the learner plan to use it?
Images Trump Words
Long term memory of images is unlimited.
Talking Trumps Listening
Learning is social.
Movement Trumps Sitting
Exercise boosts brain power.
Writing Trumps Reading
Writing is a whole-brain task.
Shorter Trumps Longer
The brain learns best when content is divided in small chunks.
Different Trumps Same
The brain notices change.
Understanding the principles of how people learn, and designing training to get the most out of those principles is how we work at Netmind. Our NextB® Learning Framework is based on applying these principles not only in the classroom, but also in creating a new learning culture. Download our infographic to better understand the principles of Training from the Back of the Room.
Why is it important?
In recent years, the Agile Community has made Training from the Back of the Room an essential reference for all training and coaching professionals who want to teach courses that really achieve their goal; to help students learn.
The traditional training paradigm is for trainers to talk and learners to listen. But in order for learning to be effective, strategies must include active participation and individual accountability. Training From the Back of the Room provides topic-independent guidance on designing and delivering training that turns listeners into learners.
BONUS! With a name like Training from the Back of the Room comes the implication of in-person training delivery. However, (with Sharon Bowman’s blessing) we designed a course that takes Training from the Back of the Room and applies them to a virtual environment. With our Training from Behind the Screen course, students will learn to design and facilitate courses which intended to be taught in a live, virtual setting. In this OpenClass® training session, students will gain the essential techniques and activities to connect with students interactively. In addition, the course includes practice with a complete ecosystem of online tools that complement the training.
