Page 141 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 04 11/20/02 12:00 PM Page 130
130 The Creative Training Idea Book
BRIGHT I DEA
A Cast of Characters
se an innovative approach to grouping participants, and then have them use
Uthe brainstorming technique to gather expectations. One strategy for grouping
is to pass out strips of paper to each participant as he or she arrives. On the strips,
write the names of the characters of famous television shows or movies. For
example, “Gilligan’s Island”—The Professor, Skipper, Gilligan, Mary Ann, Mr. Howell,
Mrs. Howell, and Ginger or “Star Wars” (the original)—C-3PO, Chewbacca, R2D2,
Princess Leia, Han Solo, Grand Moff Tarkin, Luke Skywalker, Lord Darth Vader,
Ben (Obi-wan) Kenobi. Other well known shows are “Family Ties,” “The Beverly
Hillbillies,” “Friends,” “Scrooge,” “All in the Family,” “Married with Children,” and
“The Jeffersons.” Tell participants how many people will be on each team (based
on the total number of session attendees). When you are ready to start the activity,
have participants wander around the room introducing themselves and looking for
other cast members from their show or movie. Once all cast members for each
group are assembled, give them an assigned time to brainstorm and flip chart
expectations, questions, or issues, then review the lists as a class and discuss.

There is nothing so wasteful as doing with great efficiency that
which doesn’t have to be done at all.
—Anonymous

BEGINNING ON A HIGH NOTE

As you saw in previous chapters, your role in setting the proper learning environment
is key to training success. The following are some strategies for helping to ensure that an
atmosphere exists in which maximum learning can occur.

Be Prepared

Ensure that you have done everything possible to be ready for your session and to
receive participants. Try to anticipate every possible contingency and prepare for it. Do
this by using a checklist (see Presentation Preplanning Checklist in Tools for Trainers in
the appendices) to guarantee that all the materials and equipment needed are present
and functioning. If you use an overhead projector, make sure you have a backup pro-
jector or that it has dual bulb capability and that both bulbs work. Depending on room
and group size, a flip chart also makes a good backup alternative.
If you are using a computer slide show, test it before participants arrive and have an
audiovisual technician standing by in case of technical glitches.