Selecting Learning Activities :Selecting Learning Activities Think About Your Options


How to Select Activities :How to Select Activities http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/media.gif


The Currency of Attention :The Currency of Attention The average adult can sit and listen for about 10 minutes Build active learning techniques to improve and retain attention Vary your activities Consider divergent and convergent Use different modalities


Learners are Individuals! :Learners are Individuals! Linguistic-verbal Logical-mathematical Visual-spatial Bodily-kinesthetic Musical-rhythmic Interpersonal Intrapersonal Naturalist When choosing activities, consider the full range of “multiple intelligences” - Howard Gardner http://www.ed.psu.edu/insys/ESD/gardner/menu.html


Convergent & Divergent Processes :Convergent & Divergent Processes Divergent: activities which open up actions and ideas and do not require agreement or decision making. Example: brainstorming. Convergent: activities which ask groups to move towards a shared outcome or goal. Example: prioritization and decision making. These generally require more process. Mix the two styles!


Example Approaches :Example Approaches Action Learning - action + reflection - extends learning outside the training room Action Research - research + action + reflection – extends learning Appreciative Inquiry - asset based Assessment-Based Learning Activities – tests, quizes and audits


More Approaches :More Approaches Brainstorming – divergent, no bad ideas! Case Studies – real world examples Coaching - individual performance feedback Consensus, Rating, Decision Making Activities - convergent


More Approaches :More Approaches Debriefing Activities - (AAR, 3 Questions) interim and final review Fishbowls - http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/hrd/learning/fishbowls.html Future Visioning – planning, opening up possibilities Lecture – keep it short!


Games :Games Icebreakers – introductions, create comfort Energizers – physical and mental “refreshment” Content Focused Games – games designed to support the learning goals See http://www.deepfun.com, http://www.nasaga.org and http://www.thiagi.com


Performance Type Activities :Performance Type Activities Improvisation – supports creativity, flexibility Question and Answer – use adults expertise Skits – kinesthetic and visual Role Play – experience different perspectives Simulations – practice in a safe environment


Example Activities :Example Activities Questions for Another Group (peer learning) How to Use this at Work? (relevance) Case Studies With Questions (exemplars) Stump the Trainer (gauge group knowledge) Turn to Your Neighbor (large group/small conversation) Quick Quiz (5-6 questions, group or individ.)


Examples :Examples Two Truths & a Lie: Can be an icebreaker or review activity Crumpled Question Toss: review, knowledge sharing Each One Teach One


Use/Tell/Different :Use/Tell/Different What is one thing you will use (tomorrow, soon, next week)? What is one thing you will tell others (colleagues, stakeholders, etc) about? What one thing you would improve the next time?


More Activities :More Activities Fill in the Blanks (blanks in handouts) Crossword Puzzle (content focused training) Find the Question/Find the Answer (prepared cards, group activity, movement) You Read It/You Teach It (for non technical content)


More Training Technique & Activity Resources :More Training Technique & Activity Resources Summary of Training Techniques – http://www.inquiry.net/adult/trainer/techniques.htm Thiagi’s Interactive Strategies for Improving Performance - http://www.thiagi.com/ws-interactive-strategies-for-improving-performance.html


Icebreaker Resources :Icebreaker Resources Don Clark’s Icebreakers - http://www.nwlink.com/~donclark/leader/icebreak.html http://www.bbyo.org/bbg/ideas/mixers.html Introduction Icebreakers - http://honolulu.hawaii.edu/intranet/committees/FacDevCom/guidebk/teachtip/breakice.htm http://www.openconcept.ca/index.php/Facilitation/31 & http://www.openconcept.ca/index.php/Facilitation/30 http://www.topten.org/content/tt.AU20.htm http://www.resultsthroughtraining.com/downloads/Icebreakers.HTML


Energizer Resources :Energizer Resources http://www.johnsleigh.com.au/energizers.htm http://www.energizeinc.com/art/aget.html http://www.zhaba.cz/materials/misc/energizers.html http://www.jef-europe.net/infopool/files/IPSEM8.doc