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Tag: brain-based learning

Halloween Tricks ‘n Treats for Training

Halloween Tricks ‘n Treats for Training

Use your Halloween candy for training adults or teaching kids. Try these Halloween-inspired facilitation tricks and treats and make the most of the Halloween season in your training sessions: Icebreakers Favorites? Ask your group what their favorite Halloween candy is.  Let them know that even thou... Read More
Training Superheroes for Powerful Training

Training Superheroes for Powerful Training

We need more super heroes. Not the kind you’re thinking of — that can leap over a tall building in a single bound, defy gravity, move mountains, or see through walls. No, we need more real life training superheroes. Maybe we already have them and we just have to take time to notice. They... Read More
Nuts and Bolts of Applying Brain Science to Teaching

Nuts and Bolts of Applying Brain Science to Teaching

I’m always on the lookout for ideas that apply knowledge of how the brain works to specific teaching and facilitation techniques. So, my interest was piqued when I came across Daniel Willingham’s article, “Unlocking the Science of How Kids Think.“* He explained that 16 years ... Read More
The Neuroscience of Success at Work

The Neuroscience of Success at Work

When talking with Melissa Thompson of HarcourtHealth, I was reminded of the unique benefit that comes with my job–staying on top of the latest neuroscience research on what makes people successful at work.  Our conversation prompted her article in Inc. Magazine, “3 Things Successful Pe... Read More
Fun DOES work!

Fun DOES work!

I know this Staircase Piano video has become quite popular on You Tube.  The reason I find it intriguing for trainers is because it emphasizes the importance of engaging people by using playful techniques. The takeaway: be bold and confident in your commitment to fun, even if you’re facing pe... Read More
Two Truths. One Lie.

Two Truths. One Lie.

Three statements; one is not true: 1) I believe in icebreakers. 2) Good icebreakers are easy to find. 3) “Two truths and a Lie” can be a good icebreaker. If you asked me last year, I’d say there were two lies in the three statements above and only one truth. I have to admit, I… <... Read More
9 Ways to increase student engagement

9 Ways to increase student engagement

As I culled through this week’s Marshall Memo I was pleased to find a bunch of suggestions to increase student participation. I was even more pleased that “Dry-erase boards” made the list. I believe it was about 10 years ago that we were sitting in a Trainers Warehouse product meet... Read More
Give ’em a break

Give ’em a break

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... Read More
Maslow’s Hierarchy and Meeting Learners’ Basic Needs

Maslow’s Hierarchy and Meeting Learners’ Basic Needs

In his 1943 paper, A Theory of Human Motivation, psychologist Abraham Maslow , [2] proposed the idea that a person’s most basic needs must be satisfied before higher order needs can be addressed. The needs he identified are: Physiological – includes air, food, water, sex, sleep, other factors to... Read More
Wait! Slow down.

Wait! Slow down.

Don’t be too quick to call on the first hand that goes up. By doing so, you signal to other students that they should stop thinking of an answer. Experts suggest that you extend your wait time to 5 to 10 seconds! This assertion is supported in several research reports, including: Journal of Re... Read More