Reliability is an important factor that can affect the relationship between the trainer and the trainees and the whole learng proceess. This activity aims to assist both sides to realise the importance of reliability in a learning environment.
Number of participants: individually or, preferably, in pairs
Duration: approx 60 minutes
Objective: The aim is for the learners to think about reliability and loyalty and their importance in the classroom. The activity aims to assist the building of a trustful relation between teacher and learners and to, establish this way a strong connection that will create o positive learning environment.
Step 1
In the beggining, the whole group is asked the following questions:
Why is reliability important in the classroom?
What things come to mind when you think of reliability?
What elements should a reliable teacher have?
The participants proceed with a brainstorming and the trainer/instructor writes their answers on the board or on a flipchart.
Step 2
The participants now create pairs and discuss with each other the following scenario:
You are the owner of an educational institute and have to appoint a new teacher/trainer. You get two applicants with two different references from previous jobs.
The first teacher/trainer (A) reference says he/she is an excellent teacher/trainer with a great experience but cannot be relied on to come to work on time and makes the learners waiting.
The other teacher/trainer (B) do not have a long experience but is consistent, reliable and creates strong bones with the learners.
Which one are you going to hire?
Why?
Why is being reliable such an important quality?
Step 3
Now the participants (again in pairs) are given the following instuctions:
How do you score your loyalty and reliability with:
Family 0.......................................10 Strong
Friends 0..................................... 10 Strong
Job 0..................................... 10 Strong
Compare your answers with your teammate.
Why are you more loyal to some things than others?
What do you think makes someone a reliable and loyal person?
It is important for the participants to realise the significance of reliability and loyalty and try to enhance these qualities in their working life as teachers and trainers in order to establish a positive and trustful relation with their learners.