Can we ban this word?
If your teaching and learning activities are designed to spark meaningful behavioral change, can we ban this word?
I’m not into banning things, but…
… I find that when teams are “banned” from using this word, it helps them think about teaching and learning in ways that align to what science says makes learning stick.
And sticking for everyone is how you get your outcomes.
What’s the word I want to ban?
The word is delivery.
I often hear things like:
- I “delivered” the presentation by…
- We “deliver” our trainings by….
- I “delivered” the workshop…
- Our school “delivers” teaching programs through….
The dictionary defines deliver as → To bring and hand over or to provide.
But “delivery” isn’t what science says makes learning stick for everyone.
Think of it this way.
If you go to the gym and your personal trainer just “delivers” information to you, you’re probably not going to get outcomes.
But I’m guessing you and your team want outcomes for the people you serve.That’s why I want to suggest we ban this word.
If you’re willing to try it, let’s see if we can come up with a word or phrase to use.
I’ll start. How about facilitate? 🤔
What word or phrase can you think of, instead of the word deliver, to describe your teaching & learning activities?
Cheering you on!
Dr. William DeJean
