Post-Conference Review
Summary: Learning Activity Lottery

In the Learning Activity Lottery, the instructor not only lectured about different types of learning activities, he also used a variety of learning activities while teaching about their importance. The overall learning objectives for the session were to allow the students to be able to (1) describe why the lecture method is used to exclusion of other methods; (2) choose learning activities that are suitable for the topics they intend to teach (e.g., debates, small and large group discussions, role plays, learning games, etc.); and (3) design learning activities that accomplish their learning objectives.

The instructor began the session by introducing the game of poker with the participants to demonstrate the use of a learning game in which he provided cards to participants who provided meaningful information during the session. The game effectively attracted the participation of the participants throughout the session.

He then explained the “learning activity lottery” in which each group was assigned a learning activity to present on any subject matter they wished for up to eight minutes. The participant groups chose their respective learning activities from a hat (in a lottery format).

Next, the instructor used a brainstorming activity to identify the traits of the participants’ most effective teachers. The purpose was to identify those qualities of effective teachers, so the participants can emulate them when they teach.

He then explained that effective learning activities help the students achieve the learning objectives. He noted that learning objectives define what the students will learn. The learning activities define how the students will achieve those learning objectives.

In discussing lectures, through a large group discussion, he asked the participants why we lecture to the exclusion of other learning activities. He facilitated a discussion about how lectures are easier to prepare but, in some ways, more difficult to present. The class members also noted that custom and tradition play a part in the use of lectures. Finally, lectures are a habit for many presenters.

Throughout the remainder of the presentation, he explored the effective use of tests and quizzes, debates, Socratic questioning, small groups, role plays, brainstorming, case studies, videotapes, and learning games. While doing so, he utilized a variety of learning activities including lectures, large group discussions, a quiz, Socratic questions, brainstorming, and a learning game. At the end of the presentation, he presented a prize to the participant with the winning poker hand.

After the session, the participants prepared their presentations for approximately one hour. They then presented according to the learning activities that they chose from the hat. The instructor provided constructive feedback of each group’s presentation suggesting methods of improving their use of the particular learning activity. In providing feedback, he utilized a positive style that ensured that the participants were fully supported in their teaching efforts. At the conclusion, he provided prizes to each of the participating group members for their efforts.

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