Page 79 - The Creative Training Idea Book Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning

lucas chap 02 11/20/02 11:37 AM Page 68
68 The Creative Training Idea Book
PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY
What types of events or experiences can you think of that would make good stories for use in your
sessions?

What are some potential sources of stories that you might tap within your organization?

Metaphors

By using a metaphor or figure of speech that is used to explain or illustrate points you
are making, you can help learners visualize key concepts. An important thing to remem-
ber is that their successful understanding is dependent on whether your learners have a
base of knowledge related to your example. A sample metaphor that might be used dur-
ing a training program might be, high as a kite. This metaphor could be used to explain
interest rates in a financial class, the impact that drugs have on someone in a drug pre-
vention class, or the emotional level that a participant might experience on coming to
an understanding of a difficult point during a training program.

PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY
How have you seen metaphors used in the past?

What was the result?

List some metaphors that you can use to relate to program topics that you present.

Analogies
Comparisons of different things that share similarities are known as analogies. Using
an analogy typically involves sharing information that participants can relate to some-
thing they already know. For example, in a train-the-trainer session in which the im-
portance of setting behavioral-based learning objectives is discussed, the analogy might
be made to Christopher Columbus’ trip to the Americas in 1492. Before using it or any
other analogy, however, it is important that you ask if everyone is familiar with Colum-
bus’ exploits. In a multicultural world, you should make no assumptions.