Page 103 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 03 11/20/02 11:46 AM Page 92
92 The Creative Training Idea Book
Errors using inadequate data are much less than those using no
data at all.
—Charles Babbage

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

Take a few minutes to reflect on the data gathering strategies you have read about. Think also of other
techniques you have used, seen, or experienced for collecting information in the past.

In what other ways can you creatively gain needs data from your participants?

BRIGHT I DEA
Engaging Learners
o help learners take ownership for a program’s content and recognize the value
Tit can bring, get participants involved early in a session. At the beginning of the
session, discuss session objectives. Separate participants into small groups of six
to eight people. Select a leader and scribe for each group by giving a small game
spinner to each group (get these from board games you own or at hobby, craft,
teacher supply stores, or The Trainers Warehouse in the Resources for Trainers
section in the appendices). Have each person in a group take turns spinning the
dial until a predesignated number, letter, color, or whatever is selected. That person
“volunteers” to be the group leader. He or she can then turn to the person on the
right or left and select the scribe, who will capture group ideas on a flip chart page.
Next, to help identify needs and involve participants in an active learning process,
pass out a handout that contains a single sentence question to prompt thinking
about the course. You may want to use a variety of questions so that each small
group works on different issues. Sample questions might be:

At the end of this session, what new knowledge do you hope to have?

Based on the session objectives, how do you see program content adding value to
you, your customers, and your organization?

Why is this program topic important to you, your customers, and your organization?
Allow 5–10 minutes for brainstorming and then have groups present ideas to the
rest of their peers for discussion and comment.