Page 393 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 10 11/20/02 1:11 PM Page 382
382 The Creative Training Idea Book
scribes, and then have learners spend approximately 15 minutes creating mindmaps
based on what they learned in the session. Encourage the use of color and graphic images
to illustrate information. Once time has elapsed, have each group’s leader post their
chart. Have all learners walk around the room to view and discuss the creations. Follow
their review with an instructor-led discussion on the key elements of the program. Have
everyone give a round of applause for their creativity.

Circular Ball Toss

You can employ physical movement through a group review in which learners form
either one large circle (if you have fewer than 15 participants) or several smaller ones.
Brain research has shown that such activity can actually aid recall and memory through
stimulation of chemicals in the brain.
Once you have formed a circle(s), give someone in the group a Koosh® or large foam
rubber ball. Inform participants that they will gently toss the ball from one person to
another, not giving it to any one person more than once. Starting with the original ball
holder, before tossing to someone else, each person is to shout out a term, concept, or
idea learned during the session. If someone cannot think of a term, he or she may say
“pass” and toss to someone else. He or she is eligible to receive the ball again and may
not pass a second time. Have participants keep the ball moving quickly by telling them
they can hold it no more than 5 seconds.
After the review, have everyone move closer together, extend their right hands so
that everyone touches, and on your count of three, as they pull their hands back from
the group, yell Teamwork! Follow this by having everyone give a round of applause.
Then, review any key points the group might have left out during their review.

Line Ball Toss
This is similar to the circular ball toss except that there is an element of team competi-
tion involved. To prepare, divide learners into two equal teams, have them form straight
lines facing each other, and randomly select scribes from each team. Once scribes are
selected, have them move over to the end of the opposite team’s line, but tell them they
remain part of their original team. Give each scribe a flip chart easel with paper and a
marker. They will not participate in the review except to capture ideas from the team to
which they are assigned.
Once all preparation is done, tell learners they will have 5 minutes for a competitive
review. Give one person a ball (e.g., Koosh® or foam rubber) that they will randomly
toss to someone on the opposing team while shouting out a term, concept, or key point
received during the session. These can be something received from you or from each
other. They may not repeat something that has been said by a member of either team.
Participants can receive the ball only once and can hold it only 5 seconds. If they can-
not think of anything to offer, they can say “pass” and toss it. They are then eligible to