Questions to Ask: Methodology

methodology

Your content and objectives impact the best way to offer the programming. Your audience also can impact your methodology. Thus, how you answered earlier questions impacts the methodology you choose. In addition, consider the following questions:

  • Do you consider the content to be: Theoretical? Problem-solving? Applied knowledge? Technical? Fact-based? Contextual? Personal and reflective? Soft-skills? The content and objective can determine what pedagogical method or mode of instruction makes the most sense. Below are some examples to illustrate how the type of learning objective can drive the method. 
Objective Suitable method
Identify chemical symbols Flashcards 
Tie a knot Watch then do
Understand impact of a historical event on a culture Listen to lecture, read an article
Apologize in Swahili Listen and repeat then role-play
Understand white privilege Dialogue, discussion & reflection
Respond to conflict Scenarios & role-plays
Follow a process using software Instructional video + written job aid to reference

 

  • What methods of delivery work best for this content when delivered face-to-face? Why? Will this change when it is offered online?
  • Will you need to update the materials frequently? Some online formats are easier to update (text) than others (video).
  • How will the learners be using the knowledge and skilled gained? Will they want to have job aids, access to review materials, etc. afterwards?

Anne Baker

Learning and Talent Development Specialist
amb@msu.edu
517-884-6028

Michigan State University
  • Spartans Will.
  • © Michigan State University

MSU is an affirmative-action, equal-opportunity employer, committed to achieving excellence through a diverse workforce and inclusive culture that encourages all people to reach their full potential.

Michigan State University Extension programs and materials are open to all without regard to race, color, national origin, gender, gender identity, religion, age, height, weight, disability, political beliefs, sexual orientation, marital status, family status or veteran status. Issued in furtherance of MSU Extension work, acts of May 8 and June 30, 1914, in cooperation with the U.S. Department of Agriculture. Quentin Tyler, Director, MSU Extension, East Lansing, MI 48824. This information is for educational purposes only. Reference to commercial products or trade names does not imply endorsement by MSU Extension or bias against those not mentioned.

The 4-H Name and Emblem have special protections from Congress, protected by code 18 USC 707.

We comply with the Federal Trade Commission 1998 Children’s Online Privacy Protection Act (COPPA).