Train-the-Trainer: Using Activities to Make Training Fun

[Pages:3]Using Activities to Make Training Fun

Quick Reference Guide

Types of Activities

Tips on Making Games Work

Game

Don't select activities that would annoy you if you were a participant.

A game is an exercise that normally has a Adjust the length and type of game to suit the length of the session. A one-

set of rules and an element of

day workshop probably does not benefit from a 45 minute game; a two to

competition. Games also normally

five minute icebreaker is probably just fine. However, if your group is taking

include some element of reward or pay

part in a 3-5 day workshop and would benefit from getting to know one

off. Although traditional games include

another really well, then an extensive game of up to an hour is appropriate.

competing against some one or another Know your audience. You could develop a short quiz for the participants to

team, they are also many non-

complete anonymously before training to assess their comfort level, how well

competitive games available.

they know other participants, and so on. You could also speak with their

managers or former trainers. Generally speaking, more senior staff will not be

Icebreakers

willing to look silly or foolish in front of their own subordinates. Junior staff

Icebreakers are normally used as an

may not be comfortable looking silly in front of their boss. In addition, if

exercise to introduce group members to

participants arrive in business clothes, they may not be comfortable with

one another, infuse some energy into the really active games.

beginning of a workshop, and to lead into If you are providing introductions and icebreakers for a day consisting of

the topic material.

meetings or sessions about layoffs, downsizing, or change, you will need to

select your games accordingly.

Energiser

People who know each other very well will find some exercises redundant. If

An energiser is a brief pick-me-up

the group knows each other well, you need to be more selective in the games

designed to invigorate a group if energy

that you choose. If you are facilitating for people from different

in the room is waning, or to bring them

organisations, then they will benefit from getting to know each other better.

back together following a break.

Learning that deals with "soft skill" subjects such as communication or team

Energisers may be a short version of any

building will benefit from games more than one that focuses on learning

game or icebreaker, or a brief set of

computer software, for example. The software group, however, might really

stretches. They are completed within

need some kind of energiser as an energy infuser at some point, or even

approximately two to five minutes.

several times, during the day.

Simulations A simulation is used to train future operators when the equipment that they will use is either very expensive or dangerous. Simulations are designed to be as realistic as possible so that participants can learn from the situation without worrying about damage or financial cost.

Brain teasers Brain teasers are puzzles to keep participants busy or to highlight key points. Brain teasers have the flexibility for a creative trainer to create their own rules to fit a particular session. They can include perception exercises, joining the dots, or drawing activities.

Three Ways to Obtain Buy-In

State Objectives Make sure, especially during a workshop where games or humour are being used, that the value of the training is clearly stated either verbally by the trainer or written in a workbook, in a handout, or on a flip chart. Participants who do not clearly see objectives stated may put up resistance to taking part in training if they cannot recognise the value easily.

Rules The three key rules are:

Respect for others. Having fun. What takes place in the workshop stays in the workshop.

Preparation If you plan to have a day that flows smoothly, then you must do an excellent job of preparing your material. When a facilitator uses a fast paced game but has to frequently refer to their notes, the energy flow of the activity is interrupted, and

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participants may lose interest. Similarly, if you plan to use a game but forget your

Role Plays

props or run into technical difficulty at the last second, your fun activity could

Role-playing is a helpful way to gauge turn into a flop. Prepare, prepare, prepare.

how participants are learning material or

how they react to certain situations. They

are very useful way to practice new skills

in a non-threatening environment.

Case Studies Case studies are stories normally extracted from a participant's workplace or industry. It may also be a simulated scenario. They may be studied by individuals/groups and then analysed to demonstrate particular training points or to stimulate discussion.

Engaging Reluctant Participants

Simulations and role-plays may help reluctant participants become more at ease at being part of a group, which will help to reduce barriers. Once those barriers start to come down, then energisers that are a little more movement based and fun will continue to engage the group.

You can't coerce people to have fun. Always give trainees the opportunity to sit out of an activity that makes them uncomfortable.

If trainees see the value in the games, they will be more likely to participate. For those who don't like icebreakers, you may want to choose a more

intellectual, low-energy game.

Being CREATIF

Clean Rehearsed

No matter what or who is in your audience, in order to deliver what you have been hired to do, gain respect (and be invited to do more training!), your material needs to be clean. It doesn't matter how much crude or crass language your audience may use, a professional trainer keeps their material clean. Racial jokes, gender bashing, swearing, or demeaning jokes do not enhance the quality of your training, and do not belong in the professional trainer's toolkit. Just like other facets of training, humour must be practiced to be delivered effectively. Practice your entire speech, story, or workshop out loud and standing up as if you are in front of a classroom, or on a podium. You can also utilise a coach, join a trainer's group, a

Action oriented Truth

As trainers, we need to find words and stories that motivate and inspire. Standing at the front of the room listing off a bunch of "don't do this" and "don't do that" is boring for your participants, and akin to reading directly off of PowerPoint slides. Your audience will snore. Instead, craft your stories and anecdotes with a call to action. Think of a phrase or jingle that will stick in their memories and remind them of what they are going to do. Many situations in our lives make wonderful training stories if they are told with attention to pacing and good articulation. Your story is much stronger when it is based on something real and it relates somehow to the training that you are providing. Don't slip in your

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Energising

good toastmaster's programme, or a mastermind group to really supercharge your ability levels. Even if the story is something sad or serious make sure that by the time that you complete the debriefing or wrap up, the group has recovered and is feeling energised by working with you.

It makes a relevant point Fun

favourite story just because it usually gets a laugh.

Adult learners want the content to reflect the objectives of the training. If your favourite story does not fit, save it for another training day and use something that will work. When you are preparing your training session, make sure that it is really you talking. Don't try to be someone else that you think is funny, and don't try to copy someone else.

People's attention spans are short, and overwhelmed people have even shorter ones! Be sure to inject some lighter content, which can include games, energisers, and icebreakers to keep training fun, and keep your participants engaged.

Checklist for Successful Games

The games must illustrate, illuminate, or somehow relate If you have people all dressed up in suits and ties,

to the training objectives. Otherwise your trainees may

chances are they will not want to get down on the floor.

feel like you are wasting their time.

The games have to be considerate of the participants'

If your programme calls for high participation levels, let

needs as well as ability levels.

everyone know beforehand so that they can dress

Knowing your audience, the setup of your training space,

appropriately.

and their needs can help you avoid disasters!

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