Developing successful workshops: a workshop for educators

Abstract

Background: Many educators have had little or no preparation in the design, delivery or evaluation of workshops.

Methods: This faculty development intervention consisted of a faculty development workshop on Developing Successful Workshops; a workbook to guide independent study; and peer consultations. Program evaluation included immediate and delayed post-workshop evaluations, tracking of site-specific activities, and assessment of self-perceived efficacy.

Results: Participants found the workshop very useful, highlighting the assessment of learner needs, goal-setting, "matching" of objectives to content and methods, and use of a structured framework as most beneficial. Nine months after the intervention, seven of eleven participants had conducted a workshop in their own settings. Self-assessment of skills in workshop design also increased.

Conclusion: A workshop on Developing Successful Workshops can help participants to understand the principles of workshop design and delivery.