1. Reflection is vital

Enable people to talk about their experiences and use those as the basis for learning. Having the chance to reflect on what actions they have been taking in either providing care or in respect of personal diabetes management, and what has worked well or not so well, can be the start of helping someone to see what they might do differently.

2. Where are the barriers?

Take time to find out the barriers that might be stopping an individual from taking action. These can include feelings such as fear, anger and depression as well as practical aspects like time, space or resources.

3. Whose answers?

Help people work towards their own solutions rather than simply trying to impose your ideas. People are much more likely to take action on their own decisions, not those of others.

4. Expertise is joint

Don’t expect to be the expert! You don’t need to know everything to help people learn. Sometimes it is the joint discussion and ideas of how to find ways to deal with a situation that results in the most effective way forward.

5. Groups are powerful

Wherever possible, work with groups and facilitate their interaction.  Ideas and solutions from peers can be an extremely powerful way for people to learn new information and ways of coping.

6. What’s it like in your waiting area?

If you are a healthcare worker, or hold meetings to help others with diabetes, make efforts to create a supportive environment in your waiting area where people can have the chance to meet and share experiences with others, which can really promote learning. If you live with diabetes, talking to people while you wait for your appointment can be really reassuring and beneficial.

7. Influence the environment

Remember that we cannot influence what or when people learn, only the environment in which learning takes place. If this environment gives lots of opportunities to learn in different ways, and plenty of chance to ask questions, then people will find what they need.

8. Lose the lectures!

If you are involved in formal education sessions, don’t get distracted by the idea that ‘this topic has to be delivered as a lecture’. People learn least from lectures and most from interacting and collaborating with each other on activities that are realistic and meaningful.

9. Develop your non-judgemental side

Develop an open and honest approach and recognise that everyone has resources and strengths, even if they disagree with your opinions. Feeling valued and not judged creates a much more productive learning environment because it reduces stress.

10. Recognise your own strengths and limitations

Working in this way takes skills which may be new to you, or at least less well practiced than more traditional teaching methods. Reflecting on what would help you learn how to create a more effective learning environment could be a useful first step.

We hope you have enjoyed these top tips. If you find you would like to know more about working in this way, have a look at our workshops and also our ebooks for more inspiration.