Page 26 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 01 11/20/02 11:26 AM Page 15
PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY Brain-Based Learning 15
What are some creative ways in which you or others have provided a review of program concepts during a
training session?

How have such reviews been effective in reinforcing the learning?

BRIGHT I DEA
Guiding Participant Learning
tart all training experiences with an overview of session objectives that describe
Swhat participants will be able to know or do differently at the end of the
program (the big picture). Make the learning interactive and as the program content
is presented, ensure that you link each piece together with transition phrases to
help learners mentally follow the flow from one area to the next. Also, ensure that
time to review what has been covered is built in at points throughout the session
(interim reviews). At the end of the session, display the program objectives one
more time and ask participants what they experienced related to each, as well as
how they intend to apply what was learned. Finally, have each person complete a
written action plan with specific dates for accomplishment of next steps in applying
what was learned.

LEARNING MODALITIES

The complex organ that we call the brain uses its hundred billion plus cells to process
information and images in many ways and on different levels. For example, in any given
hour of consciousness, the brain collects, analyzes, and stores thousands of visual cues.
As part of this vast data assimilation, comprehension, and translation into action, learn-
ers use different approaches or modalities in gaining input. Most people have a preferred
and a secondary modality for learning. These preferences are often called learning styles
and involve receiving information through auditory (hearing), visual (seeing), or kines-
thetic (physically experiencing or emotionally sensing) means.
Simply stated, learning modalities or styles are differing approaches that people use
to learn. It is important for you to recognize your own preferred style as well as to be
able to recognize that of others. If you are not aware of your preferred modality, you
may unconsciously design and deliver information in a format with which you are com-
fortable, but that ignores the learning preferences of others. In such instances, you might