Page 266 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 07 11/20/02 12:29 PM Page 255
Puzzlers Engaging and Energizing Learners 255
Pass out crossword, word match, or word search type puzzles based on program terms
and content. Have either individuals or teams try to finish the puzzle within an allotted
time frame. Have an answer key on a transparency, or another handout page that you
can share with learners. You can reward winners, then review program concepts as a
group.

Balloon Review

As you read in a previous chapter, you can use balloons to add color and a festive
mood to a room. As you blow them up, you can place small strips of paper with key
program concepts written on them inside. When you want to conduct an interim review,
have each participant, in turn, select and pop a balloon. Have him or her retrieve the
paper strip and randomly read aloud what is written on the paper. As a group, discuss
each of the concepts read and discuss what it means and how it might apply in the
workplace.

Easter Egg Basket

Similar to the balloon review, place strips of paper with key concepts on them inside
colorful plastic Easter eggs. Put the eggs in a basket or bag that you pass around. Each
participant in turn selects an egg, opens it, and then reads what is on the paper inside.
Group discussion follows each concept read.

Spin the Football

Remember the game of spin the bottle from childhood? This is a similar version with-
out the kissing! (You know that you have to be politically correct!)
To conduct this type of review, purchase a couple of small, inexpensive toy footballs
or Nerf® footballs. Draw an arrow from the center of the ball toward either end on sev-
eral sides. Have eight to ten participants sit in a circle. Form several circles if you have
more than ten people. Starting with a designated learner and moving either left or
right, have someone spin the ball in the center of the group. The person the arrow points
to must give a key idea or concept that was covered in the program, and that no one
before him or her has named. Others in the group must then provide additional infor-
mation about the identified idea or concept so that a joint review takes place. Have
participants continue spinning until everyone in the group has had a turn. During the
review, if the ball points to someone who has already given a term or concept, the per-
son to his or her immediate right must provide a term or concept instead. If that person
has also had a turn, spin again.
Bring the participants back together and ask which concepts or terms were identi-
fied; add any additional ones missed.