This article outlines three simple ways you can integrate Big Think+ into your facilitated or instructor-led learning programs.
Big Think+ can be a thoughtful complement to instructor- or facilitator-led experiences for both in-person and virtual sessions. Using microlearning lessons as a complement to or in these sessions is a great way to “invite an expert” into the room, and can introduce fresh perspectives, create shared language, and spark more meaningful dialogue.
What are some simple ways I can integrate Big Think+ into my facilitated or instructor-led learning programs?
1. Use a Flipped Approach
What if participants arrived having already engaged with the core ideas?
As an example, prior to a classroom session on feedback and coaching, you can provide pre-work that covers soft skills such as active listening and asking open-ended questions. Then, during the session, you can have participants discuss why these skills can be challenging, and things they tried that made them easier.
Curated Big Think+ playlists can be assigned as that pre-work, allowing live sessions to create relatable relevance by focusing on:
- Dialog
- Real-world problem solving
- Peer coaching
- Skill practice
This can elevate the depth of the conversation because participants are building on shared foundations rather than starting from scratch. And from a practical perspective, this approach can shorten the amount of time spent away from day-to-day work which can encourage engagement and lessen distractions.
2. Invite an “Expert Voice” Into the Room
A short 3–5 minute clip can open a topic and frame it from a recognized expert’s perspective.
Here’s how this might work:
- Share a video to introduce a concept.
- Invite participants to reflect on what resonated or challenged them.
- Transition into discussion or practice.
Consider questions like these to help participants create relevance:
- What assumption does this challenge?
- Where would this be hardest to apply in our context?
- What behavior would look different if we embraced this?
As an example of what this could look like, showing Alisa Cohn’s “How to give constructive feedback” video on how feedback can be an ongoing relational process, can open up a richer conversation before participants practice giving feedback themselves. Having an expert introduce concepts provides a neutral framing that encourages self-reflection over defensiveness.
Here are some samples of what a facilitated discussion could look like using Big Think+ Lessons.
Tip: Use the Discussion Guides available in every Expert Class to find discussion topics and activities you can use in your sessions. To find Discussion Guides related to your selected Lesson, click on the "More on this topic" tab under the video player, then click on the title of the class under "Featured in this Expert Class:".
Discussion GuidesThis approach helps shift live time toward reflection and application rather than explanation.
3. Extend Learning Beyond the Session
After a workshop, curated Big Think+ playlists and reflection prompts can help sustain momentum and can create a bridge between classroom sessions. Participants might consider:
- What insight will I experiment with this week?
- What conversation do I need to initiate?
- What habit needs adjustment?
This could look like a weekly video Lesson shared via email or a discussion board, an ongoing content calendar, or a 7-day challenge where they try the COIN feedback method introduced in Alisa Cohn’s video Lesson and report back on their results at a future session or in a discussion space.
Prompt your learners to:
- Consider the Prepare and Practice questions
- Share one takeaway in the Conversation tab
Remember, Prepare and Practice questions are available in the Learner Guide for each Big Think+ Lesson so you don’t have to create anything new.
Learner GuideUsed intentionally, Big Think+ can enhance the facilitator’s presence, adding depth, credibility, and shared perspective to the learning experience.