Selecting Learning Activities Think About Your Options

How to Select Activities a.gif

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! –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

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

More Approaches Debriefing Activities - (AAR, 3 Questions) interim and final review Fishbowls - Future Visioning – planning, opening up possibilities Lecture – keep it short!

Games Icebreakers – introductions, create comfort Energizers – physical and mental “refreshment” Content Focused Games – games designed to support the learning goals See and

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

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 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 Summary of Training Techniques – ues.htm ues.htm Thiagi’s Interactive Strategies for Improving Performance - strategies-for-improving-performance.html

Icebreaker Resources Don Clark’s Icebreakers Introduction Icebreakers - m/guidebk/teachtip/breakice.htm m/guidebk/teachtip/breakice.htm & kers.HTML

Energizer Resources mhttp:// m ers.htmlhttp:// ers.html europe.net/infopool/files/IPSEM8.doc