Page 303 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 08 11/20/02 12:51 PM Page 292
292 The Creative Training Idea Book
PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY
In what ways can you add art images to your training materials? (Be Specific.)

Who do you know who can help you learn to draw basic characters or create them for you?

Cling-On Surfaces
A clever alternative to flip chart paper is a vinyl substance that comes in individual
sheets mounted to pads like flip chart paper and in rolls. These sheets are reusable
because you use dry erase markers to write or draw on them. They cling to virtually any
wall surface through static electricity and therefore there is no need to use masking tape.
Also, their flexibility and light weight make them handy when you have to travel to a
site to conduct a session. Of course, with many creative products there is a downside.
Because the surface is erasable, you cannot prepare and reuse the sheets unless you place
them between cardboard or other storing material to prevent smearing (see Presentation
Equipment and Accessories in the Resources for Trainers in the appendices).

POSTER PRESENCE

Printed posters are an excellent medium for making or reinforcing a point, or for
enhancing your training environment. Depending on your topic, there are a variety of
ways to use posters in your sessions. For example, if you are facilitating a program on
how to do cardiovascular resuscitation (CPR) you can hang posters around the room
that show each step in the resuscitation process. Following a demonstration of the
procedure, participants can refer to the posters as they practice the skill.
In classes, such as supervisory skills, customer service, or employee motivation, you
can hang posters with models of behavior or inspirational quotes related to the topic
around the room (see Motivational Posters/Products in the Resources for Trainers in the
appendices).
Because posters are portable and can be colorful and graphic, they are effective tools
for reinforcing or expanding learning. Through the use of pictures, vibrant colors, and
appropriate word context, posters add another dimension to the room and tie into the
brain-based learning concepts that you read about in earlier chapters.
A shortcoming is that posters cannot be seen from a distance. For that reason, if
you plan to refer to them or they are an intricate part of the program, purchase multiple