Page 221 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 06 11/20/02 12:21 PM Page 210
210 The Creative Training Idea Book
oys, props, and fun. What do those words mean to you? To many adults, they bring
to mind memorable times as a child, or as an adult, in which life was less stress-
Tful and more energized. They communicate a less hectic pace of life where enjoy-
ment of the moment was all that mattered and fond memories were formed. Whether
it was on the playground as a child, around a table playing card or board games with
friends, wearing silly costumes at a party, or just relaxing and celebrating free time with
others, such terms conjure up stored thoughts. Learning took place when these items
and concepts were present.
How can you capitalize on what you just read? Think about it for a second. Can you
recall how it felt when you were playing games in the past or how much fun you had
walking into a party room full of friends with some props or costume on? Transfer the
same devices and techniques that gave you joy and fond memories to your learners. It
is easy to do, if you just mentally escape back to your youthful freedom.
In this chapter, you will read about strategies and techniques for energizing learners
and helping them enjoy their learning experience. As you explore using a variety of toys
and props to group participants and select volunteers, you will also identify concepts
that can transfer to other areas of your training.

CREATIVELY GROUPING PARTICIPANTS

Separating participants into smaller groups is a standard practice for trainers and facil-
itators. It is one technique for securing participation by people who might otherwise
hide in the background without sharing their knowledge and ideas. It also divides
those who reduce networking and information sharing opportunities by gathering with
people they already know or with whom they work.

Why Group?
You may say, “Why bother separating people into smaller groups?” There are a number
of reasons. Some of the more important ones include the following.

Behavioral Style Preference
Because of their behavioral style preference, some people are reluctant or too embar-
rassed to stand in front of a large group to speak. Placing them in smaller work groups,
where they can comfortably share ideas in a conversational setting, may help to get them
to open up and participate more freely. Thus, more ideas are generated and ownership
of the final result belongs to everyone rather than just the vocal minority.
Networking Is a Crucial Success Factor

Getting to know others is always one of the valuable added benefits for people attend-
ing a meeting or training session. When people are divided into smaller groups, they
have a better opportunity to get to know more intimate details about someone’s back-