Virtual Workshop: Less Talk, More Learning: Why Stepping Back Helps Students Step Up
This virtual workshop explores how doing less as a teacher can lead to deeper learning. Grounded in active learning, brain science and experiential teaching, it introduces “productive laziness,” helping educators shift from content delivery to learning design that builds student ownership, thinking, participation and long‑term retention.
Description
Great educators know when to stop talking. In this energetic, practical workshop, we explore how doing less as a teacher can lead to more from our learners. Based on the principles of active learning, brain science, and experiential teaching, this session introduces the concept of “productive laziness”, where teachers shift from content delivery to learning design.
You’ll learn how to make space for thinking, encourage student ownership, and structure activities that require learners to do the heavy lifting. With strategies drawn from Sharon Bowman’s Teaching from the Back of the Room and the work of Dr. William DeJean, you’ll walk away with a toolkit for getting learners talking, doing, and remembering more.
Topics Covered
- A practical toolkit of low prep strategies to reduce teacher talk and increase learner thinking, ownership and participation.
- Greater confidence to step back from content delivery and adopt a learning design mindset that supports active, brain friendly learning.
- Clear insight into common “overhelping” habits, with alternatives that shift responsibility from the teacher to the learner.
- Ready to use activity structures that promote peer learning, problem solving and long term retention.
Learning Outcomes
- Explain why reducing teacher talk time can increase learner engagement and retention.
- Identify common "overhelping" behaviours and replace them with active learning strategies.
- Apply low-prep, high-impact techniques to make learners more active and responsible.
- Design learning activities that promote peer teaching, problem-solving and reflection.
Audience
- Trainer & Assessor
Session includes
- Certificate of attendance
- E-Book