The "Wellness Hour 2.0" project, developed for the Hope & Care Foundation (pseudonym) by the OPWL 537 instructional design team at Boise State University, aims to enhance the effectiveness of an existing daily wellness program designed to promote mental and spiritual well-being among residents. The Hope & Care Foundation operates as a Women and Children's Center, part of a global network of non-profit organizations that provide a wide range of services, including treatment and rehabilitation, mental health programs, and emergency support.
Problem/Gap
Although the organization has established a designated time each day known as "wellness hour," this time has not been utilized effectively to meet the needs of residents. The current wellness hour lacks structure and focus, failing to offer meaningful programming that fosters engagement and emotional health. Recognizing this gap, the Hope & Care Foundation identified a significant need for staff training to facilitate mindfulness activities. This project aims to develop a comprehensive training program that equips staff with the Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs) necessary to teach mindfulness.
The Wellness Hour 2.0 program is structured into two main sections: the first 30 minutes will focus on practicing mindfulness exercises, while the latter half will be dedicated to reflection time. This dual approach aims to create a robust framework for mindfulness practice that encourages deeper engagement and personal connection among participants.
By equipping staff with the necessary knowledge and skills, "Wellness Hour 2.0" aims to create a supportive environment that enhances resident wellbeing. This initiative will improve the overall effectiveness of the wellness program while empowering residents to incorporate mindfulness into their everyday lives, ultimately enriching their quality of life.
The primary learning objective of the training is for staff to effectively utilize the Wellness Hour 2.0 facilitation guide to lead wellness hour sessions that align with the criteria outlined in the evaluation rubric. This initiative follows a "Train the Trainer" model, empowering staff to become proficient facilitators who can confidently teach mindfulness to residents. Through this training, we aimed to accomplish three key goals:
Increase Attendance: Create engaging and valuable wellness hour sessions & promote the program with visuals such as fliers & pamphlets.
Enhance Engagement: The structured activities promote active participation and meaningful interaction among residents during sessions by encouraging them to be present and focus on the instructions.
Teach Residents to Integrate Mindfulness: Staff will support residents in applying mindfulness practices in their daily lives, formally during guided sessions and informally in their everyday routines.
To support these goals, measurable outcomes were established for both the primary learning objective and the performance goals.
The "Wellness Hour 2.0" project was built on collaboration with key stakeholders, incorporating a "Train the Trainer" model. This empowered staff to lead wellness sessions confidently. Instructional materials, including facilitation guides, mindfulness scripts, and reflection prompts, were developed collaboratively, ensuring a cohesive and comprehensive training experience.
Systematic Application: We applied the ADDIE Model to systematically analyze training needs, design clear lesson objectives, develop structured materials, implement engaging training methods, and evaluate outcomes. This methodical approach ensured that every step was executed logically and effectively.
Systemic Application: We approached the project systemically by considering the broader organizational context and how the wellness program fits within the Foundation's overall goals. By integrating Merrill’s Principles of Instruction to enhance learning design, using Gagne’s Nine Events of Instruction for structured engagement, and applying Keller’s ARCS model for motivation, we aligned our training initiatives with the strategic objectives of the Hope & Care Foundation. This holistic view supported immediate training goals and reinforced the foundation's broader mission of promoting overall wellness, effectively engaging staff, and enhancing resident well-being.
Applying ADDIE Stages to Build Wellness Hour 2.0
By systematically applying the ADDIE Model, I ensured a thorough and coherent instructional design process for the "Wellness Hour 2.0" program. Each phase contributed to creating an effective training initiative that addressed the specific needs of the Hope & Care Foundation, ultimately enhancing the staff's ability to facilitate mindfulness practices for residents.
1. Analyze
Needs Assessment: We conducted a Training Requirements Analysis (TRA) to identify the specific needs of the Hope & Care Foundation. This analysis helped us determine the existing performance gaps in their wellness program, particularly focusing on the lack of structured mindfulness and stress reduction sessions.
Audience Identification: We defined the target audience for the training, which included staff members responsible for facilitating wellness activities.
2. Design
Lesson Objectives: We developed clear lesson objectives that specified what staff members should be able to accomplish after completing the training, such as effectively teaching mindfulness techniques and creating a supportive environment for residents.
Content Outline: The design phase included creating an outline that covered essential topics, such as mindfulness concepts, breathing exercises, and facilitation techniques.
Resource Planning: We identified the materials needed for the training, including the Wellness Hour facilitation guide, audio/video resources, and presentation materials, ensuring alignment with the learning objectives.
3. Develop
Course Development: In this phase, we created comprehensive training materials, such as videos, guided meditation scripts, and checklists. This content was designed to support learning and retention, following best practices in instructional design.
Interactive Elements: We included practical workshops that incorporated role-playing and hands-on practice to enhance learner engagement and skill development.
4. Implement
Training Delivery: We facilitated the training through a mix of instructor-led virtual sessions and self-paced e-learning modules. This combination accommodated different learning styles and allowed staff to learn at their own pace while benefiting from direct interaction.
Support Mechanisms: Continuous support was made available through access to resources and trained staff for guidance, ensuring that learners felt comfortable during the training process.
5. Evaluate
Effectiveness Measurement: We implemented pre- and post-training assessments to measure knowledge acquisition and application. Participant feedback was collected through surveys, and staff performance was evaluated during mock and live sessions.
Continuous Improvement: The evaluation phase allowed us to gather insights to refine training materials and make adjustments for future sessions, ensuring that the program remained effective and relevant over time.
A comprehensive analysis was conducted to develop an effective training program for the "Wellness Hour 2.0" initiative, focusing on identifying learners' needs and the contextual factors influencing training delivery. This process included a Training Requirements Analysis (TRA) to establish the program's necessity, a Learner and Environmental Analysis (LEA) to evaluate participant backgrounds, and a Task Analysis (TA) to define the essential facilitation skills. Additionally, the findings informed the creation of a detailed lesson plan that utilized adult learning principles. Together, these assessments provided the framework necessary for the program's design and implementation.
The curriculum for the training was designed utilizing several adult learning models, drawing on principles from instructional design experts such as Robert Gagné, David Merrill, and John Keller, alongside Malcolm Knowles' Adult Learning Principles and Richard Mayer’s principles of multimedia learning. The lesson plan included a structured curriculum presented through engaging Google Slides and divided into two main sections: a 30-minute mindfulness practice followed by a reflection period. This dual approach emphasized practical application and allowed staff to actively practice leading sessions through mock (teach-back) scenarios, reinforcing their ability to engage residents effectively.
Continuous feedback mechanisms were established throughout the process to adapt the training program based on participant experiences. This thoughtful approach was crucial in designing a robust "Wellness Hour 2.0" program that effectively addresses the needs of both staff and residents.
The instructional materials for the "Wellness Hour 2.0" project have been carefully crafted to provide staff at the Hope & Care Foundation with the resources needed to create an engaging and structured training experience. This initiative focuses on equipping staff with the tools to facilitate mindfulness practices effectively, ultimately promoting mental and spiritual well-being among residents. The materials are designed to support various aspects of the training process, from guiding mindfulness sessions to fostering resident interaction and feedback.
Facilitation Guide
A comprehensive resource that outlines the steps for leading mindfulness sessions, including best practices and strategies to maintain clarity and consistency throughout the training.
A Google Slides presentation serves as a visual aid for the lesson plan, incorporating multimedia elements to keep staff engaged during training. The slides outline the session structure, key activities, and instructional content, making it easier for staff to follow along and retain information.
Mindfulness Scripts
Pre-written scripts for guided meditation and body scan exercises, providing a clear framework for staff to follow during sessions.
This ensures effective delivery and helps maintain focus on the mindfulness objectives.
Job Aids
5-5-5 Breathing Technique Job Aid: A visual reference for residents that outlines the steps and benefits of the breathing technique, aimed at enhancing their understanding and participation.
Body Scan Job Aid: A step-by-step guide for staff on how to effectively facilitate the body scan exercise, ensuring a consistent approach across sessions.
Job Aid for Running Wellness Hour: A detailed resource that outlines the structure and essential elements required for conducting successful wellness hour sessions, serving as a handy reference for staff.
Audio and Video Resources
Curated audio tracks and instructional videos that provide guided support during mindfulness sessions.
These resources enhance the experience for both staff and residents, helping to create a calming and focused environment.
Reflection Prompts
Thought-provoking questions and discussion topics designed to stimulate meaningful discussions during the reflection period, encouraging residents to articulate their experiences and insights.
This promotes deeper engagement and helps reinforce the mindfulness practices learned during the session.
Promotional Materials
Flyers and Pamphlets: Developed to raise awareness about the Wellness Hour 2.0 program, highlighting its benefits and encouraging increased participation among residents.
These materials are strategically distributed throughout the facility to inform residents and create excitement about the program.
Visuals at a Glance
Step by Step Wellness Hour Facilitation
Job Aid: 5-5-5 Breathing
Promotional Flier
Attendance Data Collection
Job Aid: Body Scan Technique
Job Aid: Body Scan Squence
Well Hour 2.0 Informational Pamphlet
Session Engagement Survey for Data Collection
Google Slide presentation is created to teach the fundamentals of mindfulness and guide staff in facilitating an hour-long Wellness Hour for clients. The training is divided into three sessions to avoid cognitive overload, with the first two sessions focusing on teaching and the third session serving as a mock session. During this mock session, the client role-plays as the facilitator while the instructional team plays the role of the residents. The client’s newly acquired Knowledge, Skills, and Attitudes (KSAs) are assessed using a checklist based on a rubric specifically created for this purpose.
Click the "Client Materials" button to view all the materials.
Online MBSR/Mindfulness (Free). (n.d.). Palousemindfulness.com. https://palousemindfulness.com
Fargo, S. (2019, November 15). Body Scan, Advanced. Mindfulness Exercises. https://mindfulnessexercises.com/body-scan-advanced/
Mindfulness in Everyday Life Exercise 2. Begin the day MINDFULLY | CBT4Panic. (2017). Cbt4panic.org. https://cbt4panic.org/mindfulness-in-everyday-life-exercise-2-begin-the-day-mindfully/