Page 153 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 04 11/20/02 12:00 PM Page 142
142 The Creative Training Idea Book
PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY
Have you experienced sessions such as the examples offered in this section? Explain what happened.

How did you feel about the instructor? The session?

What could have been done differently to reduce any frustrations you and others may have experienced?

Challenge ’Em

One of the fastest ways to get participants immediately thinking about session content
is to form small groups and then present an issue or problem related to the session topic.
Have members of each group introduce themselves to teammates and brainstorm ele-
ments of the problem, causes, effects, or other aspects related to the issue. Following a
set time limit, have them present their ideas to the others in the class, then post them
on the wall for future use. Refer to these lists as you go through program materials.
This type of activity can be used effectively immediately following an introduction
and overview of session objectives.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

How is learning stimulated through challenging participant thinking?

What are some other ways to challenge participants and get them thinking about your program content?

Communicate with ’Em

By sharing a story or personal experience you can begin to connect and build rapport
with participants. The power of this strategy is that in the process of relating your tale,
you share events to which participants can often relate and you potentially self-disclose
a personal event and demonstrate that you are human and approachable. You also form
a psychological bond with participants and encourage them to participate and possibly
to share their own experiences.
A story I sometimes share in trainer development workshops relates to an error in
judgment on my part as an inexperienced trainer years ago. I was in South Tucson, Ari-
zona. For whatever reason, I decided to pack transparencies for an upcoming class in