Using small groups to maximize training

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Abstract

Small groups provide a valuable training tool that can simultaneously transmit information, teach project-specific as well as general skills, and reinforce the "sense of team" among members. Mosaica's newsletter, TrainingBriefs, presents ideas for program staff and site supervisors with limited time and resources for training.

Issue

Focusing on the participation of each individual participant makes a big impact in training sessions, and contributes to the overall success of a training.

Action

Research shows that small groups maximize learning. Small groups are most effective when members have clearly defined roles and tasks. This helps make members responsible for learning.

Small groups work best during training by:

Encouraging members to participate actively in learning. The smaller the group, the more opportunity each individual has to participate actively and contribute ideas and opinions.
Fostering teamwork among members, consequently encouraging trust and cooperation. This will likely result in members feeling more comfortable working together in the future.
Covering different material simultaneously, then reporting back to the larger group to cover more overall ground in training.
Tapping into the collective knowledge and experience of members.

Citation

"Big Results from Small Groups." Mosaica's TrainingBriefs. Washington, D.C.: Corporation for National and Community Service, no. 3, (October 1997).

TrainingBriefs were produced by Mosaica under Cooperative Agreement #98CADC009 with the Corporation for National and Community Service during July of 1997 through October of 1999.

Outcome

Having members work in small groups during training sessions maximizes learning and provides supplementary benefits to member development efforts as well. Members enjoy working in small groups during training because they have more opportunities to participate and share ideas with their fellow members.

Posted On

August 27, 2001

For More Information

EnCorps

Northwest Regional Educational Laboratory

101 SW Main Street

Portland, OR 97204

Phone: 877-250-1615

Website: http://encorps.nationalserviceresources.org

Email: encorps@nwrel.org

Resources

Starting Strong: A Guide to Pre-Service Training will help AmeriCorps programs plan and deliver effective pre-service training. Its user-friendly approach is perfect for staff with limited training experience. The manual explains in detail how to design effective training, and provides over thirty-five sample training activities that are easily modified to reflect program needs.

See Big Results from Small Groups for the activity "Experts as Resources." The resource will demonstrate how to use outside experts as resource people and learning by teaching others within the context of small group settings.