Know Your Audience

It should be apparent that not every person is the same. We all have different backgrounds, experiences, and preferences. That’s especially true in learning. The reflection you completed at the beginning of this module should emphasize that you have preferences for learning and that others will too.

One of the first steps in most instructional design models is: Know Your Audience. This principle was introduced in Module 2: Working with Adults. You were encouraged to learn about the older people you are working with and why they have come to you for help by completing an Empathy Interview. That’s a good start. That will tell you what might motivate the people you are working with to try something new.

You’ll get to know your audience better as you work with them. You’ll learn who likes to work independently and who wants to have you show them every step. You can plan for your learners before you meet them. One way to do this is by completing an Audience Analysis. It may be helpful to do this with others.