Page 250 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 07 11/20/02 12:29 PM Page 239
Trainer-Led Discussion Engaging and Energizing Learners 239
Using dialogue that you initiate and control can stimulate learning while drawing from
the collective knowledge of participants.

Group Learning

Activities in which the entire participant audience works together on an activity that you
lead can help build group consensus and camaraderie. For example, you could conduct
a review activity in which key terms or concepts from the program are flashed onto a
projection screen and participants shout out responses.

Team Activities

By having learners form small teams and participate in exercises, games, role-plays, or
similar activities, discovery and reinforcement of ideas can occur.

Peer Coaching

Following the introduction of a concept or process, participants can work in dyads
(two learners) or triads (three learners) to practice or rehearse and provide feedback to
one another.

Individual Learning

In some instances, participants can take an active role in their own self-discovery. For
example, learners could be tasked with conducting interviews with experts. In doing so,
they gain new knowledge and insights from the interviewees while actively participat-
ing in their own knowledge and skill acquisition.

Participant Teaching
One of the best ways to learn a new skill or topic is to prepare and deliver a presentation
on it. Participants can gain a lot by delivering a presentation on some element of your
session content to other learners and then receiving feedback on their presentations.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

List five people or sources that you can contact for additional ideas on creating an active learning
environment. Try searching the Internet for sources too.