Why work with me?
Well, I’m not a tech-expert or HR person that fell into Learning and Development. I’ve been teaching, developing curriculum and training teachers for more than 25 years. I’ve had 12 overseas postings and have worked at all levels of education and training: primary, secondary right through to vocational and tertiary. I’ve worked with subject matter experts in fields as diverse as accounting to neuroscience and as a believer in life-long learning, I’m always enrolled in some kind of course be it another Masters, a women’s health course or cooking school.
It doesn’t matter what you’re learning, whether it’s formal or informal, face to face or online. I know what works, and what doesn’t. I’m constantly looking for better ways to teach and learn. I’m a bonafied EdNerd, through and through.
These skills are not hard to learn, and they’re easy to implement. Let me take you on a learning journey that will change the way you think about how education works, forever.
If you're in the business of sharing your passion, expertise and knowledge . . . I'm in the business of making that happen in a way that will confirm your expert status.
Work with me if...
- You have lots of learning content ready, but you know it needs a revamp.
- You have lots more content lurking in your archives, hard drives (or still stuck in your head!) that you KNOW you should be doing something more with.
- You don't have enough time or know-how to put it all together in a way that gets real results for your clients.
- You need a reliable team to help you pull it all together.
- You're feeling a bit disorganised or in procrasti-baking/cleaning mode when it comes to tackling this project.
- You know you can do it, you just need a gentle, friendly, flexible kick up the proverbial from someone who has done it hundreds of times already.
Don't work with me if...
- You’re a killer presenter who can engage an audience from wo to go.
- You don’t work well with someone giving you work to do and deadlines to get it done.
- You've got an awesome team of VAs, designers and producers ready to create best practice resources.
Here's what we can create together:
quizzes, surveys or questionnaires to help your ideal client
goals oriented, outcomes based lessons
presentations, tutorials, webinars or video training
trust building articles and books
workbooks, tape-scripts and audio-recordings
The best way to do that,
is to make sure we follow best practice adult learning principles, which in short, include the four stages below:
Stage 1: Design Your Product
What product are you going to create?
How does it work?
How is it delivered?
What can your clients expect?
Are you catering for different learning styles?
Do you have a complete user experience plan?
Stage 2: Write your Curriculum
What are you going to cover in terms of outcomes, theory, examples, activities?
How much content do you have and can you find it all easily?
Why do they need this content? How will it change their business or lives?
How will you motivate them to complete the learning content?
Stage 3: Build Your Resources
How are you going to create the presentations, workbooks, activity resources, tapescripts, audios, videos?
Do you know how to structure materials for maximum engagement?
Are your teaching skills best practice for adult learning?
Do you want to avoid death by powerpoint?
Stage 4: Review your Content
Are you improving your content every time it’s delivered?
Are you collecting feedback before, during and after the learning experience?
Do you know how and when to process and address the suggestions you receive?
Do you have content that needs a complete overhaul?
Not sure what that means? Or what it would look like for your organisation? Let me explain in a little more detail.
There are four main stages to creating quality learning resources.
We’ll work together – from wherever you’re at – to ensure the project is completed on time, on budget, and does exactly the job you need it to. Use the expander buttons in the boxes below, to read in more detail about the 4 stages.
What is this stage about?
This is where we do all the critical thinking around what learning products you create from your knowledge – how they fit together in your business plan, the complimentary products you can create to flesh out your sales funnel, the expectations around exactly what you’re delivering, and how it’s going to work for you and your clients.
Why do we do this?
Without this stage it’s a bit like building a house on rocky foundations; it’s bound to fall over at some point because it hasn’t been thought through thoroughly enough (try to say that 5 times fast!)
What do you achieve?
I first help you get 100% clear on exactly what it is you’re building.
- Clarify the outcomes that you want your learners to achieve.
- Decide on the most effective learning product and delivery mechanism for your content and audience; (training materials suitable for online, face to face, groups or individuals).
- Map the profiles of your learners so that you can match a learning product with their specific learning styles and needs.
- Examine your existing collateral and IP for use in your learning products.
- Set clear expectations of the learning experience to ensure raving reviews which confirm you as an expert in your niche.
What is this stage about?
Here we create a complete blueprint for your learning materials. We extract the language needed to create a full overview of all the content and the concepts required to build your sales pages, opt-ins and learning resources.
Why do we do this?
Without this stage it’s super challenging to get a proper overview of your content – and without that it’s impossible to tell whether there are gaps, duplications or whether the program is robust. It’s like having a roadmap for your content – without it, you get very lost, very quickly! Imagine seeing all of it in one clear, easy to read document that is literally a road map for creating your learning resources.
What do you achieve?
We will map out your learning content. This process involves:
- Clarifying exactly what your clients are going to learn and achieve.
- Building a framework which gives an overview of all learning content.
- Synthesising your IP, knowledge base, case studies and activities into clear, practical, results-oriented outcomes.
- Learning the skills required to create ongoing learning content long after the initial coaching process has completed.
What is this stage about?
Creating the actual learning resources: interactive online lessons, PowerPoints, keynotes, video script, workbooks, quizzes, teacher training manuals, whatever resources we’ve decided are the best combination for your learners.
Why do we do this together?
We may or may not need to. Once you have the Curriculum Map, you can either DIY, OR employ my team and I to fast track the process for you.
What do you achieve?
If you do decide to work with us, this is where we focus on:
- Transforming you (the content expert) into a teaching and learning expert, by training you in the base skills essential for effective adult learning (online or offline).
- Reviewing your learning content from an international, cross cultural perspective to avoid unnecessarily alienating your learners.
This stage can also include Project Management: including introduction to, training and supervision of contractors outsourced for final resource production.
What learning products can we create together?
Finished learning resources depending on the needs of your clients.
- Presentations, Keynotes
- Lesson/Workshop Plan
- Runsheets, Scripts
- Audio or Video recordings
- Tutorials
- Workbooks or activity booklets
- Quizzes or assessments
- Teacher Training Manuals
What is this stage about?
If you have an existing course that’s not reaching the mark, or you know it could be a lot better than it currently is, you might be feeling a bit overwhelmed by the process of getting stuck into a full review and revamp. I hear you. I’ve been there. Reviewing your own work is tough. A Course Review might help.
Why do we do this together?
‘A reflective teacher’ is someone who is able to reflect and critique their existing materials and delivery style. All the best teachers are reflective ones. It can be challenging to do it alone, so I’m here to guide you through the process.
You may be feeling:
- Unsure your content is as well delivered as it could be.
- Overwhelmed with how much content you’ve created.
- Confused by how to streamline it so it’s easier for you and your clients to navigate.
- Frustrated with getting ordinary feedback and low completion rates.
- Disappointed because you know your content is good, but you know it’s not where it needs to be to confirm you as an expert in your niche.
What do you achieve?
A course review is designed to:
- Provide you key recommendations for improvement, including worked examples.
- Give you the confidence that your content is delivered effectively, and aligned with the core principles of effective adult learning.
What do you get when you work with me?
Personalised Action Plan
For moving forward with your content and task planning and creation. No more confusion, overwhelm and stress regarding what to do next, or how to go about creating a learning experience that you KNOW is going to change lives.
A mentor who cares
Creating Quality Learning Experiences, and helping others OUT of their overwhelm and into a calm, organised, RELIEVED headspace, is what I excel at – my clients refer to me as a cheerleader for content creation – I’m there every step of the way – especially when the going gets tough!
A team of professionals
I’ve spent the past 5 years building a team of professionals I know, like and trust, so whether you need copy-editing, graphic design, video editing or web development, I have professionals I will work with, to get your project done RIGHT the first time.
Personalised Action Plan
For moving forward with your content and task planning and creation. No more confusion, overwhelm and stress regarding what to do next, or how to go about creating a learning experience that you KNOW is going to change lives.
Confidence
Know your learning materials are 5 star quality. Know you have the skills to deliver it well. Start falling back in love with what you do – the content, how it can change lives, and getting that message out there to the people who need it the most.
Focus
Stop second guessing yourself and stressing out about what you should be doing next. Start focusing on creating awesome content (which you’re best at doing anyway).
Maria brings a wealth of international education and training experience
I have worked closely with Maria over the past 18 months in my role as Registered Training Organisation Manager. Maria has worked with the organisation over this time on various learning resource development projects, and specifically with our Learning & Organisational Development department over a 4 month period.During her time working with our department, Maria has created online professional development modules of self directed learning for our trainers, focusing on best practice teaching and feedback strategies. In that role Maria has worked with our team to create an engaging and solid curriculum, tailored to the needs of our training staff and produced a set of high quality learning materials including interactive online learning modules, workbooks and teacher training guides. During this time Maria met all timelines, maintained strong long lines of communication and was able to keep our team on task and motivated.
The resources have been piloted by a multi-cultural group of staff, who have challenged the content and nature of the assessment tasks; Maria has worked alongside these staff members to create highly positive outcomes and the changes in staff performance as a result is testimony to her ability to communicate and negotiate effectively with a diverse group of stakeholders. Maria is able to overcome the obstacles of distance and I personally often felt that when communicating with her in a digital environment that she was right in the room with me, such is her down to earth nature and communication skills.
Maria brings a wealth of international education and training experience, flexibility, a good sense of humour and a commitment to produce the highest quality products possible.
Who I've worked with
- Austraining International, Adelaide
- Behaviour Tonics, Perth
- Cash Converters National Conference, Perth
- Coffey International, Brisbane
- Curtin University, Perth
- Deakin University, Melbourne
- Department of Fire and Emergency Services, Perth
- Developmental Disability WA, Perth
- ILUKA, Perth
- Polytechnic West, Perth
- Vizcom Technologies, Perth
- WA Individualised Services, Perth
- WATESOL, Perth
- Wellness Designs, Brisbane
How confident are you that your learning product will confirm you as an expert in your field?
Need some specific examples?
I worked with Debbie and her team to create an 8 part animated video series from a 25 page policy on Alcohol and Other Drugs, for a large, state wide government department.
Full of energy, accurate and engaging
As the project manager for the Alcohol and Other Drugs management policy implementation project I chose Maria to work with because during our initial meeting she claimed to be highly motivated, professional and passionate about her work. The project has now been completed and Maria was true to her word, she was full of energy and ideas and clearly loved the work she did which resulted in an educational package which is accurate, engaging and suitable for a diverse audience of over 30,000 people.
Ready to get started?
Let’s talk practicalities and pricing (because I know that’s the bottom line). You can work with me on any of the 4 stages of learning materials development, and I have a few levels of support I can provide.
It’s like having an L&D expert on call, without having to go through the rigmarole of employing someone on a long term basis. Packages (samples below) can be created to suit your specific organisation’s needs; we can work on any or all of the following stages intensively, or at your own speed.
Stage 1: Design Your Product
Stage 2: Write your Curriculum
Stage 3: Build Your Resources
Stage 4: Review your Content
It’s easiest to work in packages that combine a little from each of the stages so that you can decide at which point you’re ready to DIY (if any!). Happy to discuss these packages for your situation and needs. Prices are a guide only, and may be adjusted depending on your scope of work.
Phase 1: $1,895 AUD
Deliverables
- A complete user experience plan for your learning product including (but not limited to)
- What learning resources will be provided (including practical tasks and assessments if required)
- How the course works in terms of support, facilitation, inclusions, cost, learning resources
- A list of features required to deliver the learning experience which will help inform the platform or software required
- Human resources required to fulfil the learning resource creation tasks, including contact details for appropriate contractors
- Pre-, Mid- and Post-Course Review Questionnaires
- Curriculum Map Template including:
- The list of intended modules that will be delivered
- Personalised best practice module structure to suit your target audience needs: pain points, outcomes, theory, demonstrations, practical activities and resources guide
- One module mapped out according to the agreed structure
Phase 2: $2,495 AUD
Deliverables
- Curriculum Mapping:
- The fully worked version of the above Curriculum Map Template: A personalised document which will provide an overall structure (the 'birds eye view') of the learning content including (but not limited to)
- Up to 8 modules completed in depth, covering what the pain-points, outcomes, theory, demonstrations, practical activities will be
- Resource Mapping:
- One full module built out: we work together to develop one complete module. You bring the content, I bring the educational background to make your content as engaging, motivating and user friendly as possible. The content will be reviewed and recommendations made to improve the structure and/or delivery.
| You provide: | I provide: |
|---|---|
|
Base learning content (theory) as slides or script
|
Base learning content (theory) as slides or script
|
|
Draft video (maximum 30 minutes)
|
Video feedback (length, structure, delivery) Workbook questions Assessment or quiz questions |
| You provide | I provide |
|---|---|
|
Base learning content (theory) as slides or script |
Best practice structure and sequencing |
|
Draft video (maximum 30 minutes)
|
Video feedback (length, structure, delivery)
|
Phase 3: POA
- Quote for moving forward depending on what products or parts of the process you’d like help with:
- Graphic design
- Online module creation
- Workbook development
- Assessment development
- Teacher training manuals
- Mentoring, accountability and support for the DIYers
- Review services
- $1295/month: Coaching Commitment:
- For those who need accountability and an on call L&D consultant to guide you through the learning resources creation process
- Weekly sessions to assess progress and set progress targets
- Review and feedback on learning materials
- Email and phone access as required (within reason)
Phase 4: $1,195 AUD
Comprehensive Learning Product Review Service
- Initial consult:
- Identify known SWOT regarding the learning resources that currently exist (including previous review feedback or testimonials)
- Identify target audience and intended outcomes
- Learning Resources Recommendations including but not limited to:
- Expectations of the learning experience
- Curriculum structure
- Delivery methods
- Opportunities for Additional Learning Resources (inclusion of additional resources such as templates, guides, diagnostics etc)
Not sure what you need?
All good. Some times you just need a few hours of strategic planning, sometimes you need a short term consultant to manage a project. I hear you. Book your Complimentary 15 minute Strategy Session so I can help you move forward with your content and delivery plans. Every client is different, every solution is different.
Impeccable approach ... an exceptionally high standard of work
Maria is effervescent, passionate and energetic with the resilience to focus tirelessly until the job is done. She is a compassionate person who considers issues and challenges from a holistic perspective ensuring outcomes and decisions are inclusive of all stakeholders. Maria’s impeccable approach and keen attention to detail culminates in an exceptionally high standard of work in terms of presentation and output.
I worked with Tony and his team to bring some pizazz to a week long professional development and strategy conference for the managers of Cash Converters, a national company.
I would highly recommend... an absolute pleasure to work with
What a Sensational Session!!!Maria presented an empowering session on “Presentations that Engage, Inspire and Motivate” to both my HR team and National Operational leaders. The value was unanimous and all participants, including myself, were impressed with the delivery, structure and excitement created by Maria. All participants regularly develop and deliver presentations on a day-to-day basis and at the end of this session, all participants were able to identify a number of opportunities to improve and enhance the quality of training and presentations being delivered within the business.
So if you need to re-energise and empower your HR team or Business leaders to become better presenters, even if they have been doing it for years, then I would highly recommend Maria and this workshop.
Thank you Maria for being so effective in your delivery and an absolute pleasure to work with – I will certainly look forward to booking you again.
In short, learning and education lights me up - and I want your learning resources to light your clients up too.
Founder and Director
SELECT Consultants Pty Ltd trading as Create Real Change™
ABN: 46 161 932 305
