Introduction
What is an introduction?
An introduction is the initial period at the beginning of a course when you welcome the participants, make introductions and outline what they can expect from the course
How to use an introduction
When the group assembles:
- During the introduction you should aim to build bridges of contact with the participants
- Make sure that someone is ready to greet them at the door with a smile
- Show them to their places and give them something to look at while the others are assembling
- Distribute name cards (A4 cards cut in half lengthways) and marker pens, and ask each participant to write his name in clear capital letters on both sides of the card
Explain the administrative arrangements:
- Timetable
- Refreshments
- Toilets
- Where to go or whom to see if they have any particular questions, problems, or requests
Explain the Learning Method
This will be participative — in other words, group members will be expected to contribute to the proceedings
Breaking the ice
- Introduce yourself
- Ask each participant to interview his neighbour, using the Interpersonal Interview technique
- Have each participant introduce his neighbour to the group
Explain what is going to happen
- Tell the participants what they will be doing during the next few days
- Begin each session with an explanation of the sequence of events which are about to take place
Find out their expectations
Using the Question and Answer technique, produce and display a list of what the participants expect to get out of the course
Course objectives
Go through and explain the objectives of the course
When to use an introduction
At the very beginning of a course
Why use an introduction
To put participants at their ease
To let participants know what to expect from the course
Source: Adapted from the International Course on Training of Trainers in Labour-Based Road Construction and Maintenance, compiled by David J Mason