Category: Energizers

Learning from Mistakes – Bloopers, Oops, & Outtakes

I was cruising around some training and coaching websites and noticed Diana Frances’ link to UGLY PHOTOS. I really did “LOL” as I browsed her portraits laden with half-closed eyes and silly expressions—shots that normally get trashed, not posted. While most of us completely avoid showing our... Read More

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6 Brain-Science Principles in Learning that Every Trainer Must Know

It’s not brain surgery. These 6 brain-science principles for learning, developed by Sharon Bowman, should be used by every trainer and teacher, every day. Period. What’s really cool is that the dozens of active learning techniques explained here can be applied to live or virtual training... Read More

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Want to improve class participation? Start by understanding your goal

The more engaged students are in the learning process, the more they will absorb. While this makes intuitive sense, the assertion is also backed up by loads of brain research showing that when more areas of the brain are involved in an experience, the more memorable it becomes. So, to maximize learn... Read More

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7 Tips for Formulating Great Questions

As a designer of conversation starter tools, which I’m proud to say have been wonderfully received, I have some strong feelings about what makes a good icebreaker question and what simply fails to inspire sharing. If you’re hoping to weed through the millions of discussion-starter ques... Read More

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No gift of the gab? No Worries!

Some people have the gift of the gab . . . and some us just don’t.  Sometimes I wish I did. When it comes to conversation, I suppose I’d say that I’m comfortable with silences and that I prefer quality to quantity. But I do relish rich, meaningful, and insightful conversations.  ... Read More

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Energize Mini-Trainings at Work

On a recent LinkedIN Conversation in the Effective and Fun Training Techniques group, Jason Hughes asked for some recommended icebreakers, energizers, tips or tools for the face-to-face training of his small team, who generally already know each other. Often, he trains just a couple people at a time... Read More

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Learning how to talk to each other again

After the most divisive political season in our nation’s history, I think we’re all trying to figure out how to move on. We talk about unifying our divided country, about building mutual support and repairing relationships, but have little idea how to do it. The key to building relations... Read More

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Great Ways to get Learners up and Moving – without Chaos!

As the mother of a Middle-School boy, I keenly appreciate the need of students to be able to move around during class — especially with so many schools doing away with recess and cutting lunch short.  Kim Marshall who edits the Marshall Memo, summarized this great article “Get Your Studen... Read More

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Things we can learn from dogs

I know this has circulated broadly over the internet but it’s really a great reminder about how we should live. For me, it’s up there with “Everything you need to know in life you learned in kindergarten.” If we do all these things, I think we’ll learn more and be happi... Read More

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Celebrate learning . . . Olympics-Style Training

I’ll say it again. I love the Olympics!  I love watching the athletes’ concentration, performance, and emotions. I’m fascinated by how the human body adapts to different sports. I wonder at that commitment and training it takes to become an Olympic athlete. I’ve also thought... Read More

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