A colleague was looking for an interactive experience and cooperation activity for a large group. Having taught negotiation and conflict resolution, I was drawn to this suggestion posted on LinkedIN by Andrew Rea. The exercise presents itself as a team challenge, so participants go into it ready t...
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Spring is here, at last. In the Northeast, where I live, the flowers are finally in bloom. It makes me smile every time I drive down the block. So, it seems fitting to reintroduce Bloom’s Rose, a model for learning that was developed in 1956. What does it mean for us today? It reminds us...
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Celebrate! Celebrate! Celebrate! The little victories in your life after you accomplish a goal. Jump for joy, High-5 a teammate, reward & treat yourself, enjoy the moment. That keeps the momentum going. Sadly, most people simply ask, What’s next?” ~ Larry Lipman Peer-to-peer recognition ...
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Many trainers like to start with a stimulating question to break the ice, foster introductions, help participants get to know each other, and reduce tension. Trainers from around the world contributed to this excellent list of opening icebreaker questions. Icebreaker Questions about you What are you...
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I love this video by the students at Kansas State University. While it was produce many years ago, the increase in online learning makes it especially poignant. How does technology engage, enable, and distract us young people from life? What does student life even look like these days?...
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Lessons from a Professional Clown-Turned-Trainer A few years ago, more than 200 clowns attended the 40th reunion of Ringling Bros. and Barnum & Bailey Clown College recently. Although today I am president of Trainers Warehouse, I’m proud to say I was one of them. While in the reunion spiri...
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Flip charts might feel a bit retro these days, but a recent survey revealed that 76% of the teachers and trainers surveyed still use them. Personally, I’ve always been a fan of flip charts. When I record students comments, input or goals on a flip chart, they feel involved and heard. Alterna...
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As my son’s 4th-grade teacher reminded me at Parents’ Night, “learning should be just a little uncomfortable.” Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi’s Flow Concept The concept, introduced by Hungarian professor, Mihaly Csikszentmihalyi, suggests that students are most engaged when a ...
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I know you’re reluctant to take a break because you have too little time to get through all the material you need to cover. I’ve been there too. However, all of the research (referenced below) points to the same conclusion — your group will actually retain more if you do take a b...
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These tips were drawn from a number of LinkedIN discussions, focusing on how to make dry topics (accounting, insurance, technical training, etc.) more interesting. Perhaps the ideas listed here will get your creative juices flowing. 1. Your enthusiasm is contagious If you’re not excited about ...
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