Types of Teaching Techniques and Learning Activities

Thinking and Open- Ended Questions

Group discussion and participation are powerful and effective "tools" which encourage learning and retention of the training material. Questions can be asked in a way that helps employees "feel safe" by encouraging group discussion and providing help (i.e., getting employees to talk to and help each other throughout the training).

The questions should be structured around the main points to be covered in the training. You can list some of their answers (e.g., on the board or a flip chart) and then use these answers at the end of the training to see if the employee's expectations and needs have been met. Always allow time for the employee's response and acknowledge the response. Do not forget to validate that the employee gave an answer.

Thinking and Open-Ended Questions require employees to think through and discuss the material. These types of questions often have a range of answers and can open up discussion. Examples include:

• What types of hazards do you think this machine / process has?
• What could you do to make working with this machine safer?
• What are the symptoms of Heat Illness?
• What are the types of Fall Protection?
• Which portable ladder would you choose to do this job and how would you position it?
• What type of respirator and cartridge would you use to protect yourself when working with solvents in this dip tank?
• What new work practices do you think would make your job easier or safer?

The advantages of Thinking and Open- Ended Questions are that they:

• Can be applied flexibly depending on the content
• Eliminate one-way monologues by the trainer
• Cover the required content in a focused way
• Help ensure that employees get involved by providing feedback
• Are effective at helping employees learn and retain material