Page 387 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning
P. 387

lucas chap 10  11/20/02  1:11 PM  Page 376
                    376   The Creative Training Idea Book
                                Erasers
                                The same erasers discussed in Chapter 6 can be used as incentives. These inexpensive,
                                creative prizes come in many shapes that often relate directly to various training topics
                                (see Creative Presentation Resources in the Resources for Trainers in the appendices).
                                Like stickers, erasers can be given to reward a variety of learner behaviors.


                                Coupons

                                At the beginning of a session, I often describe how coupons or tickets that I will dis-
                                tribute throughout the session can result in a prize at the end of the program. I explain
                                that participants receive a coupon or ticket for arriving on time, volunteering, respond-
                                ing first to a question (or raising their hand), or otherwise participating. The coupons
                                can be the carnival type that come on rolls and are numbered (see Creative Presenta-
                                tion Resources in the Resources for Trainers in the appendices). They have duplicate tick-
                                ets—one for the participant and one for you to retain for a drawing later. You can also
                                create your own with graphic images and the program title on them printed on bright
                                colored paper. You can make eight to ten of these on a sheet of paper, then cut them
                                apart for distribution. At the end of you session, have participants write their names
                                on the back of the coupons they have received, and then toss them all into a box for
                                a prize drawing. You may want to have candy bars or small incentives for all the par-
                                ticipants who do not win the major reward so that you do not have any losers in the
                                group.


                                Toys

                                Many toys and props can be adapted to relate to program themes. For example, I use
                                Magic 8-Ball key chains as incentives for workshops on creativity, train-the-trainer,
                                problem-solving, and decision-making. These creative little balls also come in larger
                                hand-size versions. The way I adapt them to training is to have a learner ask a closed-
                                ended question to which he or she wants to know an answer (e.g., “Will I get that raise
                                next week?”). On the back side of the ball is a little viewing area. Inside is a floating cube
                                with 12 possible responses (e.g., “Yes,” “Can’t tell,” and “Try later”). By turning the
                                ball upside down, an answer appears to the question. This is a lighthearted way to add
                                some fun to your programs and learners can have a key chain for their own use later.
                                Each time they see the reward in the future, they are likely to think of the program and
                                thus learning potentially will be reinforced.
                                   Like so many other things addressed in this book, your ability to apply creative
                                learning strategies rests with your desire and effort to think outside the box. As I have
                                mentioned in other parts of the book, visit local toy or educational stores and purchase
                                various items. Really look at the items and ask yourself, “To what topic does this relate?”
                                or “How could I use this as a training aid or incentive?”
   382   383   384   385   386   387   388   389   390   391   392