Page 37 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 01 11/20/02 11:26 AM Page 26
26 The Creative Training Idea Book
BRIGHT I DEA
Addressing Multiple Intelligences
o leverage Gardner’s research, and help increase participant learning and
Tretention, build course content that is flexible in format and that uses an
approach that builds on learner strengths and knowledge. If you include a variety
of stimuli and regularly vary your delivery approach, participants will have more
opportunity to address their own specific learning needs. This will also assist in
increasing attention and interest, and with the assimilation of course material. Such
an approach also ties into the concepts of andragogy (adult learning) proposed by
Malcolm Knowles and others.

ENRICHMENT OF THE LEARNING ENVIRONMENT

Presentation of content, concepts, and ideas is not the only thing that causes learning to
occur. Researchers have found that the way in which participants perceive their environ-
ment can have a significant impact on how material is received, processed, and retained.
A number of elements can assist in gaining attention and helping to stimulate the
learning process; some of these include light, sound, movement, nutrition, color, aromas,
plants, and activities. All of these are explored in greater depth in Chapter 7.
To create a stimulating learning environment that helps involve and interest partic-
ipants, try the following:

Use lively, upbeat music as participants enter and during breaks (see Chapter 7).

Use creative openers, including such things as exciting stories, jokes, startling statements
or facts, and props (e.g., clown noses, whistles, or toys)(see Chapter 6).
Get participants immediately involved with an icebreaker activity tied to the program
content (see Chapter 6).
Have a notable guest introduce you and/or the session, for example, your CEO, a famous
author, local celebrity from radio or television, or recognized business professional
(see Chapter 6).
Have participants stand and do something such as a cross-lateral activity (see Chap-
ter 8).
Challenge participant knowledge by posing a question relevant to session content and
then have participants develop group answers as they network (see Chapter 8).
Preposition colorful posters throughout the room with quotes, questions, facts, and
other content-related material (see Chapter 7).