Instructor Skills Workshop (ISW)

This 3 day workshop allows participants to hone their skills while learning from expert facilitators with a a tremendous amount of experience. ISW training offers a solid foundation for those looking to enter the world of adult education, or can be used to further build and develop the skills of experienced instructors. It is utilized by numerous post-secondary institutions in BC (BCIT, UBC, etc.) to teach “best practice” approaches to adult education. 

The Instructional Skills Workshop is offered within a small group setting and is designed to enhance the teaching effectiveness of both new and experienced educators. During the 3-4 day workshop, participants design and conduct three “mini-lessons” and receive verbal, written and video feedback from the other participants who have been learners in the mini-lessons. Using an intensive experiential learning approach, participants are provided with information on the theory and practice of teaching adult learners, the selection and writing of useful learning objectives with accompanying lesson plans, techniques for eliciting learner participation, and suggestions for evaluation of learning.

The workshop encourages reflection and examination of one’s teaching practices with feedback focused on the learning process rather than on the specific content of the lesson. Effective feedback skills, practiced in the workshop, are useful for educators in the classroom and also as they conduct their regular institutional business.

The ISW engenders participatory learning and the building of community that can transfer back into the classroom and the institution. Participation in a workshop creates an opportunity for new faculty to learn about the unique culture and value system of the organization and can also be a renewing and revitalizing activity for more seasoned members. Added benefits are a sense of collegiality, team building, self-discovery, and learning new approaches to working with others.

iswnetwork.ca/what-is-isw

Training is open to anyone looking to build their teaching skills for any field. It will be led by an external facilitator with no paramedic experience – allowing the program to be delivered in a way that suits all adult educators, regardless of their field of instruction.