Page 32 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

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Brain-Based Learning 21
people physically move to other locations at various points for discussions, or use
demonstrations, field trips, games, simulations, stretching, or energizers. Encourage role
playing, in-basket, or other similar activities in which learners have to handle things,
interact, or move. Have actual items available for touching or exploration when possible.
When actual items are not available, try to use mockups (models that look like the real
object), simulators, or other substitutes.

BRIGHT I DEA
Appealing to Modalities
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rovide brightly colored manipulative toys, such as sponge balls or Koosh balls,
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Pplastic or metal spring toys (e.g., Slinky ), foam rubber squish toys in shapes
related to the topic (e.g., a telephone for customer service or telephone skills, a
computer for technical training, or a brain for creativity or problem-solving), or
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various colored shape markers (Crayola makes these) on participant tables. Tell
participants at the beginning of the session that they are free to quietly play with
or manipulate the items if they would like to. You might even build in icebreaker,
review, or energizer activities that includes the toys. Through use of such toys you
can allow learners to personally exercise their minds; add a little levity and relaxation;
and, if you see many people manipulating items at the same time, the message
might be that they are ready to move on or take a break. This type of approach to
training incorporates two of the three learning modalities.

I hear; I forget
I see; I remember
I do; I understand
—Chinese Proverb

STAGES OF LEARNING

For learning to truly occur, a phased process is often helpful. The process that follows
moves through five stages or phases. In it, participants are alerted to the learning expe-
rience in which they are about to take part. They are then led along a preplanned path
for transferring knowledge, skills, or attitudes back to the workplace or other venue.

Stage 1: Preparing for Learning

In the first phase of the learning process, you must condition participants for learning.
This is typically done through icebreakers or activities tied to the training program
content and by providing behavioral objectives or goals. In this introductory phase you