Page 212 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 05 11/20/02 12:14 PM Page 201
Creating a Stimulating Learning Environment 201
someone new for subsequent activities, the hat is passed to the next leader. At the end
of the day, the person ending up with the hat receives a prize. This encourages people
to volunteer early since they do not know how many activities you have planned.

Noisemakers

Not only are noisemakers great for grabbing the attention of your learners, but they can
also be used by participants to applaud others, signal they have finished an activity, or just
to add a festive mood. By using various types of noisemakers, you can allow participants
to signal an answer, to show appreciation for something said or done by others, or sim-
ply when you want them to get excited and become a bit rowdy to celebrate a successful
completion of an activity. Noisemakers can be in the form of clickers, sports whistles, train
whistles, musical instruments, cow bells, squeeze balls that make noise, hand clappers, or
party favors. For example, plastic hand clappers can be placed on each participant’s table
and used to applaud someone else’s correct answer to a question or to sound when they
have the answer to a question (e.g., the first person signaling wins a prize and gets the
chance to answer the question for additional prizes). Such usage adds a bit of noise to the
room and helps keep participants alert as they listen for an opportunity to sound off.

Party Glitter or Confetti

Just as at parties, confetti can provide a festive mood to your training room while adding
color. You can purchase table and doorway curtains made of metallic tinsel. The color,
sparkle, and flowing nature when the wind blows attracts attention and sets a mood of
fun because such items are typically seen at parties. You can also sprinkle paper or metal-
lic glitter in various shapes on participant tabletops. Again, it sends a message that the
session is going to be different and fun.

Crepe Paper

If your goal is to add color to the room, crepe paper is a great vehicle. It comes in long
rolls of various colors and can be wound along walls or across rooms from the ceiling
to add color or pizzazz to the room.

Foil or Tissue Balls
Think of all the parties, weddings, and other festive events in which there were metallic
and paper balls, shapes, and figures hanging from the walls and ceiling or on tables. Their
presence added color and said “Fun!” Why not take advantage of similar memories that
your learners also likely have? Place these festive shapes around the room to attract
attention and spark the environment. They come in various shapes and can be purchased
at many party and novelty stores (see M&N International in the Resources for Trainers
section of the appendices).