Page 51 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 01 11/20/02 11:27 AM Page 40
40 The Creative Training Idea Book
As energizers and an interim review, many facilitators have participants develop short
rhymes, rap songs, or other tunes based on the key concepts of the program. Often par-
ticipants are asked to use the musical tempos from well known children’s songs such as
“Old McDonald,” or a popular song heard on the radio.

BRIGHT I DEA

Aiding Participant Memory
When presenting new material to participants, try one or more of the following
techniques to help ease their recall.
Use strong transition phrases that help them link one concept to the next. For
example, “Now that we have discussed how point A can assist in creating an
effective learning environment, let’s look at how point B can allow participants
more involvement in such an environment.”
Make sure you point out the AVARFM (Added Value And Results For Me) so that
participants understand the personal value of learning and retaining the concepts
being offered.
Use a variety of Interim Reviews every 15–20 minutes to help reinforce key
points. For example, have participants take out a sheet of paper, write down five key
points that they have experienced, then share them within a group of three to four
other participants. Any key points they missed are likely to be offered by someone
else, thus reinforcing what they heard originally.
Have participants create a rhyme, song, or acronym using key concepts they
have learned.
Have participants create a drawing of someone using or demonstrating key
concepts learned.
Have each participants write down one key point learned, then form small groups
and have participants reteach the point to their peers in their own words. Encourage
group members to add anything that is left out about points being presented.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY

What strategies do you use to help you retain information?

Who do you know that has a good memory and whom might be able to share their retention tips with you?