Suitable tasks for everyone in the seminar - BMW teaching method
Finding a suitable task for all participants in a course or seminar is not always easy. After all, everyone has different knowledge and abilities. The "BMW" teaching method helps: Comfortable. Courageous. Daring.
Prepare three different tasks before the course or seminar: One for the comfortable, one for the brave and one for the daring. To announce the three tasks in an exciting way, you can put them in envelopes and label them: "comfortable", "courageous" and "daring". Now explain the different tasks to the participants. "If you choose the easy task, you can be sure that you will succeed in solving the task and I am sure that you will achieve your goal."
"The courageous task requires a bit of guts. You'll really have to work hard to crack the nut. If you fancy a little test of courage, go for it." "I would advise you to be careful with the third envelope: it contains a daring task that will really test your mettle. I don't advise you to take on this task. Of course, you can decide for yourself. But don't say afterwards that I didn't warn you!"
The right level of challenge for everyone
You can let the learners choose the tasks alone, in pairs or in threes. The great thing about this choice is that all learners will find the task with the level of challenge that suits them at the moment. It is important that you prepare enough envelopes for each type of task. The easy tasks should be easy, but not too challenging. Implementation tasks are ideal here. Tasks that refresh what has been discussed. Or a text with related questions.
Important: Learners who opt for the easy option also deserve full appreciation. It is perfectly okay to take the easy way out sometimes.
The tasks for the brave ones can be more demanding. Transfer tasks and challenges to think ahead are suitable here. The tasks should be ambitious but feasible. The tasks for daredevils can be challenging. Develop tasks that push learners to their limits.
Success confirms the increase in competence
Many teachers portion the tasks in such a balanced way that everyone achieves their goal. That's great, because it is highly motivating for many people to experience their own progress and skills growth through success. However, there are also learners who are more motivated by challenges!
I have had good experiences with sample solutions. I announce in the assignment texts that participants can pick up a sample solution from me once they have completed their work. Advantage: Learners can work independently. There is no need for lengthy discussions, as each team can check its own results.
BMW integrates 2 of 14 learning motivators
BMW is an attractive method for independent task completion that offers learners a wide range of options. The method contains two of 14 learning motivators: "Prepare" and "Seek challenges".
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