Demonstrating practical skills
There are various ways of demonstrating a new hands-on skill or technique. Below is one example of how to go about it.
- Briefly describe in words what you're going to do and what the end result will be. If appropriate, show the learner an example of the finished product.
- Ask the learner what they already know about the task or process.
- Demonstrate the whole skill at normal speed, making sure they can see everything you're doing.
- Demonstrate the skill again slowly and step by step, explaining in detail what you're doing and why you're doing it. Encourage the learner to ask questions.
- Get the learner to do the task with you while they talk through what they're doing.
- Ask the learner to do it by themselves, and correct them if they do something wrong, or prompt them if they're about to forget something.
- Let them practise the skill a few more times, and ask them to tell you if they need help at any stage.
This approach can be summed up in the little saying:
I do it normal
I do it slow
You do it with me
Then off you go