The 3-Level Understanding Check is a powerful technique for ensuring that participants in a workshop truly grasp your material. It checks comprehension at three progressive levels: Basic, Practical, and Strategic. Here’s how to use it step-by-step in a workshop setting:
🎯 Objective:
To confirm participants not only understand the concept but can also apply and adapt it.
🧩 Step-by-Step Guide for Workshop Use:
🔹 1. Introduce the 3 Levels
Briefly explain the 3 levels:
- Level 1: Basic Understanding – Do they get the concept?
- Level 2: Practical Application – Can they use it?
- Level 3: Strategic Insight – Can they connect it to a broader goal?
Use a flip chart or slide to visualize the three levels.
🔹 2. Apply the Levels to Your Topic
Pick a core concept from your workshop. For example: Customer Value Proposition.
🧠 Level 1: Basic Understanding
Ask: “What is a Customer Value Proposition in your own words?”
✅ Check for clear, accurate definitions without jargon.
🛠️ Level 2: Practical Application
Ask: “How would you craft a value proposition for our new service?”
✅ Look for their ability to apply the concept in a realistic scenario.
🧭 Level 3: Strategic Insight
Ask: “How does a strong value proposition help us achieve competitive advantage?”
✅ Seek strategic thinking that links the concept to business goals.
🔹 3. Engage with Techniques
- Think-Pair-Share: Let them reflect, then discuss with a partner before sharing with the group.
- Mini-Case Study: Present a quick case and ask them to respond at each level.
- Live Polling: Use tools like Slido or Mentimeter to gather responses in real time.
🔹 4. Provide Feedback
Give immediate feedback at each level:
- Clarify misunderstandings.
- Highlight strong answers.
- Encourage deeper insights.
🔹 5. Document and Reflect
Have participants jot down their answers or use a worksheet to record insights at each level. Conclude with a reflection:
“How did your thinking deepen as you moved from level 1 to level 3?”