Page 10 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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Preface

For almost three decades, I have been involved in training adults in many different en-
vironments. I started as a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor in the early 1970s, with the
approach that there was just one way to train. That way was autocratic, rigid, and left
little room for individualism or creativity. Since then, I have come a long way in my
thinking, just as many of you likely have since you started your training and presenta-
tion careers. Having worked in profit, not for profit, nonprofit, government, and vol-
unteer organizations, and as a consultant to many major companies and organizations,
I have been able to see and try many strategies for training adults. Some approaches have
been more effective than others.
When I look back on the environment of the military classroom, I certainly under-
stand the theory and reason behind what we did based on the need to train people to
respond to orders unquestioningly. I also recognize the need NOT to try a similar ap-
proach with today’s participants and in a business environment.
My awareness of the need to change and do things differently in the learning envi-
ronment brings me to the purpose and intent of The Creative Training Idea Book. For many
years, I have researched and practiced new and innovative techniques and strategies that
can capture and hold participant attention while enhancing learning. I have come full
circle since my days of military directives and lectures. Today, I attempt to incorporate
a more open, participant-centric approach to learning. Through application of brain-
based learning concepts, which employ a variety of elements such as color, sound, im-
ages, aromas, activity, and music, I strive to tap into various levels of brain activity. My
purpose in doing so is to induce and expand learning and assist in retention of ideas,
information, and concepts. In writing this book, I want to share the best practices that
I have experienced and used.
The need for changing thinking about how adults learn and should be trained is nec-
essary because the world of business is different today. Program attendees are better edu-
cated, more diverse, and more exposed to the world than they have ever been. They also
have a lot of creative ideas to offer based on their personal observations and experiences.
Failure to recognize these factors, and act on them appropriately when interacting with
your learners in a training environment, can result in failure of programs and apathy
among trainees and their supervisors.

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