We’re hearing about more classroom wellness programs being resurrected. We think the revival is, in part, a reaction to being over-webinared. Here are a few ways to enhance the face-to-face experience:
Reward participants who apply the skills and information taught in the classroom; offer services, discounts, or premiums to all who complete a log form documenting their use of the skill or data
Pair participants with a mentor or buddy who can support their behavior change efforts after the classroom wellness instruction
Reinforce learning by asking participants to lead a session, teach a skill, or share their experiences with the class during the course
Customize the program by meeting with individuals early to review their unique needs and offer resources beyond the course curriculum
Diversify learning experiences — with visual, audio, experiential, role-playing, and other methods — to cover different types of learners in your programs
Match classroom wellness material to participant needs by gathering data about interests before you design and promote programs.
The personal interaction and camaraderie in a well designed and executed classroom wellness program are hard to duplicate with webinars. Be sure you’re exploiting the potential of this long-standing wellness tool.
Dean Witherspoon
Chief collaborator, nudger, tinkerer; leads the most inventive team creating well-being and sustainable living programs. Reach out if you’d like to talk about employee well-being, emotional fitness, or eco-friendly living.
