Its been a few years since we posted on this topic, but we were talking about this idea of chunking just the other day, so time to rehash it. This time, let’s skip the elephant jokes, and focus on chunking information, with a jigsaw puzzle twist!
Within any topic or task there are a number of parts, concepts or steps that come together to create the bigger picture. Presenting the information and skills in carefully chosen chunks will:
- Improve the chances of people remembering the content (easier to move the data from our working memory to long term memory)
- Increases engagement, as people feel it is manageable and not overwhelmingly big or complex
Presenting information using a whole-part-whole approach takes this a bit further. This idea is originally documented by Malcolm Knowles (Yes, that one. The father of “andragogy”).
Start by showing the bigger picture, so the person understands the context and the purpose. This is like having the picture on the front of the jigsaw box.
Then chunk the learning into parts – the details of each step or concept. Focus on the NEED to know information. Include any standards required. Choose the order wisely. Sometimes things are a natural process, but other topics require thought about how to put the pieces together so it makes the most sense.
After learners have mastered the chunks, come back and look at the whole again. Help them put everything together and see if there is a new/deeper understanding of the whole concept or skill. Reinforce the big ideas.
Take this one step further again – and apply this concept not just to a training session, but to the entire training program!
P.S. If you really want the elephant joke, you will find it here:
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