Power to Prevent - National Diabetes Education Program - National ...

Refreshments and healthful snacks, if desired
A ball, if you decide to use it for the activity portion of the sessions
Pre- and post-session questionnaires (photocopy enough for each participant)
CD or tape player with music for activities during the session
Be sure to bring your own copy of the NDEP GAME PLAN Food and Activity Tracker and
the GAME PLAN Fat and Calorie Counter to each session as well. These materials have been
described briefy in the section “Keys to Success” and are discussed more fully in the upcoming
sections “Lesson Plan Components” and “Evaluation and Progress Tools.”
Distribute, Explain, and Collect Evaluation Tools
See the upcoming section “Evaluation and Progress Tools” for detailed descriptions of each tool on
page 9 of the Program Leaders Guide.
Tips for Leading Group Discussions
Leading a group discussion is a very different skill from counseling a person one-on-one or teaching
a class. Keep in mind that adults learn differently from children and that learning healthy behavior
skills is different from learning facts. Getting people involved, making sessions interactive, and
helping people fnd their own solutions to overcoming barriers are all important. Tips for facilitating
group discussion and some pointers for troubleshooting can be found in Appendix G.
At the end of every session remember to ask for feedback on the session, and remind the group
members of their “to-do” lists for the next session. Reinforce skills by encouraging participants
to use the GAME PLAN Food and Activity Trackers, to focus on a realistic short-term goal to
accomplish by the next session, and to practice the new skills that they have just learned in the
session.
Use the information gathered in the pre- and post-session questionnaires distributed in Sessions ,
3, 4, 5, 6, and to identify problem areas or misunderstandings that need further discussion in the
next sessions.
Optional Activities and Guest Instructors
Read about the optional activities (most of which involve guest instructors) for each session before
you begin leading the program. Before you select from the optional activities, you may wish to
discuss them with the group. Even so, it is best to contact potential guest instructors several weeks
ahead of time to learn of their availability.
Some guest instructors will volunteer time without compensation; others may expect an
honorarium. Be clear on what you can and cannot offer before engaging the instructor.
Choose a tentative date and reconfrm it with the guest instructor later, after you have begun the
program and have a better feel for the group. Call or send a reminder to guest instructors with
directions to the meeting site a few days before the class. Well before the class, ask guest instructors
if they have any special equipment needs, how much time they need for their presentation, and
whether they will bring handouts (request enough for each person in the class plus a few extra). Be
sure to keep a handout for your fles. It may be helpful the next time you lead a session!
NDEP Power to Prevent Program Leaders Guide 2