Page 227 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 06 11/20/02 12:21 PM Page 216
216 The Creative Training Idea Book
A second use for markers is to simply put a letter or number on name tents or
nametags (e.g., A–F or number 1–6) depending on the size of groups desired.
A third approach is to use various colored markers and put a colored dot in the upper
corner of each person’s name tent or nametag. For example, the first person gets a red
dot, the second, a green, and so on until you have enough colors to meet your group size
needs. You then repeat the pattern clockwise around the room until everyone has a col-
ored dot. Colored adhesive dots available at office supply stores serve the same purpose.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

What other creative ways can you think of to use markers to group participants? (Include techniques you
have used or seen used.)

Pencils

Colored pencils or ones with designs or slogans printed on them
are another easy and fun way to tie into program content and
divide participants. As with the toys and erasers, you can re-
ward participants by allowing them to keep the pencils
at the end of the session.
I use a variety of colored pencils, both plain and
the type with phrases on them. Either way, people
now have something to write with and you have a
way to divide into groups when the time comes. If
you’re using themed pencils with phrases or sym-
bols that tie to program content, they now have a
reminder to take back to the workplace. Whenever
they see or use the pencil at their desks, they may recall
the program and topic. This is a simple way to reinforce
the learning after the training has ended.
Themed pencils can often be found in novelty stores,
at shopping malls, and in teacher supply stores (see Creative
Presentation Resources in the Resources for Trainers section in the
appendices for training specific phrases).

BRIGHT I DEA
Create Your Own Specialty Items
f you have an idea for a particular phrase that would tie into a program theme,
Icontact some of the local promotional incentive item companies in your area.
They can create specialty pencils customized for your program. You can even put