Activities should reinforce previously covered content, not introduce new material.
Your goal is to plan activities that are:
- Relevant: Aligned to the learning objectives of the session.
- Useful: Something the participants refer back to or apply at a later date.
- Attainable: Use activities to reinforce teaching points you have already covered.
- Realistic: Participants should be able to complete the activity based on the session content and in the allotted time.
The type of activities you choose will be guided by the focus of the session. Consider:
- How will the activity help participants improve their understanding of the learning objective?
- How will they practise the skills being developed?
- How will you know they have understood the key concepts?
Consider the format your activities may take. You may want participants to work independently or in small groups – what will this look like during the workshop? For example, an online workshop with small group activities will need to utilise the breakout rooms feature.
Refer to the Designing Effective Activities section for more detailed guidance on making your session interactive, designing activities, and supporting your participants through the use of scaffolding.