T&D.com - training and development technique - Brief Article

Training & Development, Dec, 2000 by Ryann K. Ellis

COMMUNITY

For the December issue, T&D asked some industry gurus to name their top picks of books, videos, screensavers, and office toys (see page 39). Meanwhile, T&D asked Web visitors to list their preferred training props. Here's a few of their favorite things.

To select participants for various activities, I toss out Koosh balls. That takes the onus off of the trainer.

Linda A.

My favorite prop is a Frisbee! Rather than list objectives on a flipchart or slide, I tape them to the bottom of the Frisbee. Then, I'll have a participant fling the objectives (Frisbee) over the heads of a half-asleep class. Talk about getting their attention!

B. Alexander

I use a fake potato when discussing how to defuse emotionally charged situations. We use the same potato to play Hot Potato. The person left holding the potato must demonstrate one of the behaviors we just discussed.

S. Ward

I use a turkey hat when I want to emphasize that we all make mistakes. I whip out my hat and it never fails to get a laugh, as well as drive home my point.

Priscilla Richardson

I always have a heavy piece of very unusual red volcanic rock that I picked up in New Zealand. It has a number of characteristics that make it useful for describing and discussing personality traits. It's also useful for getting participants' attention.

Richard J.

I use playing cards when dividing people into groups to vary the makeup. I also use them to increase participation by rewarding responses (correct and incorrect) with a card. The first person with a winning hand gets a treat.

Surina

In small groups, I use mixed pieces from different puzzles, but no instructions! Most groups try to put the pieces together right away. After a few frustrating moments, most groups realize that they can't solve the puzzle without instruction, illustrating that employees need to know what's expected of them to perform.

Joan Harvey

I use a puzzle of colored geometric shapes and a drawing of the completed puzzle. I give the drawing to one participant and the disassembled puzzle to another The participant with the drawing must instruct the other in the puzzle's assembly without revealing the drawing and by using only verbal comments. It's an effective eye-opener about communication, feedback, adult learning styles, and presentation techniques.

Karl Mindemann

I use a hat. It's a great role-playing tool. It's also good for thinking-outside-the-box icebreakers, such as asking participants to list other potential uses. It can be good for pulling out names, and it's also an attention-getter if you pick a fun, bright hat to wean The best part: It's totally mobile.

Joshua

I collect a wide array of unrelated items and invite participants to choose one. Sometimes I ask them to relate the object to an aspect of their work or personal lives; other times I give them three minutes to list as many characteristics that they and the object have in common.

Senn