Session Flow · Covers the first 5-15 minutes of a session.

GLOSS Model

GLOSS is a mnemonic from trainer education for opening a session: Get attention, Link to previous knowledge, Outcomes, Structure and Stimulate. It works as a checklist for the first few minutes, so participants are focused, oriented and motivated before content begins.

When to use GLOSS Model

Use it for opening any training session or module, especially for new trainers who want a reliable introduction routine.

How GLOSS Model works

Your opening connects to prior knowledge and sets clear expectations.

Phases of GLOSS Model

  1. Get Attention: Open with something that makes participants look up: a question, a striking fact, an object or a short activity.
  2. Link to Previous: Connect the topic to what participants already know, did in an earlier session or experience in their work.
  3. Outcome: State the learning outcomes: what participants will be able to do by the end of the session.
  4. Structure: Preview the structure and timing of the session so participants know what is coming.
  5. Stimulation: Motivate participants by showing what is in it for them and creating interest in the rest of the session.

Key principles

  • Attention first
  • Connect to prior knowledge
  • Make outcomes explicit
  • Show the structure
  • Motivate before content

Best for

  • Training session openings
  • Train-the-trainer programmes
  • New or occasional trainers
  • Structured skills training

Considerations

  • Covers only the opening; it says nothing about the body or close of the session.
  • Can become a formulaic script if every letter is delivered as a monologue; make it interactive.
  • Origin is unclear; it circulates in trainer education materials without a clear author.

Attribution & sources

Primary source

Design a session with GLOSS Model

METODIC builds a complete GLOSS Model-based session — methods, timing, worksheets, and facilitator guides — in minutes.

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