Page 231 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 06 11/20/02 12:21 PM Page 220
220 The Creative Training Idea Book
Next, draw a large image of a hand on a flip chart page and at the top write
“Give Me A Hand. . . .” Spray this page with artist’s adhesive (available at craft/art
supply stores or see the Resources for Trainers section in the appendices) and post
it on the wall or on a flip chart easel by the exit door. Before a break, or lunch,
conduct an activity in which participants write on one side of their cutout “plus” (+)
and list one idea, concept, or suggestion that they have experienced thus far in
the program that will be useful. Then, have them turn the cutout over and put
“minus” (−) and list one thing they would change about the program if they were
facilitating it. Tell them that they can pass if they can’t think of anything to write.
Divide participants into groups based on the color of their cutout and have
them share the positive ideas they’ve gathered. By doing this, they are rethinking
what has been covered as they list something, then again as they discuss it and
hear what others have written. All three opportunities to revisit information covered
helps to reinforce the learning that has already taken place when the original idea
was presented earlier.

Party Props and Supplies
Another fun and entertaining approach to grouping participants begins when you
make a trip to your local party supply store in search of a different kinds of props (see
also Party Supplies and Decorations in the Resources for Trainers section in the appen-
dices). Numerous items can be used for dividing people into smaller groups for various
activities.
The following are a few ideas I’ve used over the years.
Rubber animal noses or foam animal face masks are great for grouping people based
on the type of nose they receive. You can use these in a couple of ways.
For an opening icebreaker, get small paper bags, have a rubber stamp created that
says “Please do not open until told” (you can also write this on each bag), count out
an equal number of various shapes, then put an animal nose or mask in each bag and
staple shut.
When ready to use, tell participants to open their bags, put whatever they find in the
bags on their faces, then locate all the other people in the room who “look” like them.
Once grouped, you can give instructions for an activity. Some people may feel silly
wearing these, so you may want to walk into the room initially with a nose on to show
that you are not above having people laugh with you. This can help reduce their appre-
hension. If they don’t want to wear the nose, they can stretch the strap around the back
of their head and let it rest on their forehead so others can see and locate their team-
mates (see Creative Presentation Resources in the Resources for Trainers section in the
appendices).
A second method for using animal noses is to wait until you’re ready to start, then
randomly pass one to each person. Ask them to put it on and find their team.