The Aristotlean triptych goes like this:
Tell them what you’re going to tell them
Tell them
Tell them what you told them
This triptych is used frequently in learning and for good reason – 1. Gets them ready to learn, 2. Is the ‘guts’ of the learning and 3. Helps to consolidate it. Many online courses will already have this built into the content, but facilitators can also incorporate these summaries into weekly messages to help keep learners motivated and on track.
The rest of this article has some example text or templates that you can paste into your own facilitation plan to save you time.
Introduce the module
Make a post that introduces learners to the key concepts, connects them to what they already know and outlines any key resources or activities coming up in the module. For example:
This week we’re starting (and finishing) Module 1. It’s a really short module, so you should only dedicate about an hour to reading through it. Don’t forget to complete the ‘Who’s who’ discussion (including reading other learners’ introductions). As this is the fourth course, by now you would have seen how helpful it can be to say “hi” and make connections with your fellow learners.
This week is also a good time to have a look at:
the structure of the course (read the overview and open the contents menu)
the requirements for the assessments (go to assessments on your course nav, then click on each assessment). If you have any questions, just reply to this post.
And another example…
This week we’re starting Module 2. You’ve got four weeks to work though this module, but that time also includes beginning your work on your first assignment (and submitting it in week 5). The focus of this module is on promotional documents from planning through to making, editing and printing.
The challenges through the module will help you practice the skills you need for the assignment, so I recommend going to the assessment area, printing the first assignment and having it with you as you go through the module. Then…
When you get to a challenge activity, give it a go and see if you can do it.
If you get stuck, feel free to post a question in the General talk channel and/or try a quick Google search.
Once you’ve completed the challenge, see if there’s anything similar in the assignment, can you do it? Then…
Either give the assignment task a go right away or… pop something in your diary to remind you to have another go at another time that suits your schedule (just don’t leave it too late!) I hope these steps help you, but if you’ve got your own methods that work – that’s great! Feel free to share your own methods here by replying to this post. You never know, your way might really help someone else!
Summarise the module
Summarise the key learnings from the module. You might like to call out things like: key concepts, activities, common misconceptions, where it fits in with the rest of the course, or, implications for the future. For example:
We’ve now come to the end of Promotional Documents. As we completed this module we learned that a big part of making a promotional document is creating a brief and a plan before you get started.
Do you feel like you’re now able to create, edit and save a promotional document? If so, brilliant. You’re onto the next module. If not…
Maybe you’ve got some particular questions? Post them in the question channel.
Before an assessment is due
Understandably learners can get a little anxious when it comes to assessment. As a facilitator you'll want to give them a reminder along with a wee dose of motivation. Before an assessment is due, make a post that reminds learners of exactly when it is due and perhaps, what to look out for. For instance:
Just a reminder that assignment 1 is due this week, [insert day, date and time for clarity]. Hope your work towards it is going well!
As you submit, remember to work through the checklist at the end of the assignment and double-check that you’ve included all the screenshots/attachments you need.
When you’ve finished all your checking, head over to the assessments area, select the Assignment 1 link, that’s where you’ll find the submission button.
Great work and I look forward to giving you your feedback on your first assignment for the course.
P.S. Remember to give yourself a wee break after submitting your assignment too. Studying can be hard and giving yourself breaks and celebrating (even if it’s just a soak in the bath or a small treat) helps you keep up the motivation you’ll need to complete the course.
Encouraging learners to re-engage
Review learner engagement. Follow up with those learners who you believe may be falling behind. You might like to remind them that learners often find studying easiest when they break it up into chunks, carve out some dedicated study time and give themselves just one task to complete in that time.
Hi [Name],
I’ve noticed you haven’t started [Module name] yet. It’s not unusual that life has other priorities for you while you’re studying!
We’ve found learners often find studying easiest when they break it up into chunks, carve out some dedicated study time and give themselves just one task to complete in that time. So, see if you can find one half hour session this week to pop into [Module name] and get through the first 2-3 pages.
Just remember if your circumstances have changed or you need help, you have support through [method] and can always apply for an extension for [Assignment] if you need it by [method] (but you need to apply in the next [time period]).
Hope to see you online,
[Name]