The Creative Training Idea Book- Inspired Tips and Techniques for Engaging and Effective Learning
That’s where The Creative Training Idea Book can help. By providing a comprehensive
resource of research on learning, creative tips, techniques, and sources for obtaining
innovative and inexpensive items to add pizzazz to any training program, I hope to
spark your imagination. I also intend to provide you with a valuable tool for future reference
in your efforts to create the best possible learning environment and experience
for your audiences
The Creative Training
Idea Book
Inspired Tips and Techniques
for Engaging and Effective Learning
This Page Intentionally Left Blank
The Creative Training
Idea Book
Inspired Tips and Techniques
for Engaging and Effective Learning
ROBERT W. LUCAS
Illustrated by Michael O’Hora
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Library of Congress Cataloging-in-Publication Data
Lucas, Robert W.
The creative training idea book : inspired tips and techniques for
engaging and effective learning / Robert W. Lucas.
p. cm.
Includes bibliographical references (p. ) and index.
ISBN 0-8144-0733-1
1. Employees—Training of. 2. Employee training personnel—Training
of. 3. Supervisors—Training of. I. Title.
HF5549.5.T7 L755 2003
658.3′124—dc21 2002014950
© 2003 Robert W. Lucas
All rights reserved.
Printed in the United States of America.
Although this publication is subject to copyright, permission is granted free of charge to
photocopy any pages by reader that are required in the text. Only the original purchaser
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Printing number
10 9 8 7 6 5 4 3 2 1
Acknowledgments
Dedication to training has been an intricate part of nearly two thirds of my life. Dur-
ing that time I have had some wonderful mentors and friends, have learned much, and
have attempted to give back to the profession. This book is a compilation of many of
the ideas gathered during my career. It is made possible through the generous conscious
and unconscious contributions of many human resource development professionals and
others who have worked on this project.
I am grateful to all the people whose training techniques I have imitated, modified,
and added to my toolbox over the years. Specifically, I express my thanks to the follow-
ing people for their contribution to my learning:
Mary Broad and Lenn Millbower—for taking the time to read this book and provide
input
Jacquie Flynn—the editor for this book who has offered guidance and patience as we
worked through the difficult processes related to titling the book, fine tuning con-
tent, and bringing the final product to fruition.
Sylvia Foy—who, as the Director of Training at the AAA National office in Orlando,
Florida, gave me the support and coaching needed to succeed, the latitude to exper-
iment and grow, the wisdom to accept me as I am, and the friendship that endures
to this day
Janice Mehagher—a former editor from the American Management Association who
worked to make this book project a reality
Leon Met—a mentor, former boss, friend, and all-around smart guy
Bob Pike—who, as an internationally known trainer and author, has helped set the tone
for creative training throughout the industry and inspired thousands of trainers
Ed Scannell and John Newstrom—whose collective creative genius launched a concept
of books on experiential training activities that has been imitated endlessly in to-
day’s market, but never exceeded. A special thanks to Ed for reviewing this book and
providing thoughts
Steve Tanzer—a mentor, visionary, partner, and good friend who continues to offer wis-
dom and support in my writing ventures
v
vi ● Acknowledgments
Finally, and most importantly, I must thank my wonderful wife (MJ) and my mother
(Rosie) for their love, support, and tolerance as I sifted through the mounds of research
material and books, which have covered our dining room table for months. Also, my
“brother” Dave, my son Mike, and daughter Brittney and their families for their subtle
understanding as I spent excessive hours focused on such long-term projects as this
book, often at their expense.
My only concession and hope is that each reader will extract valuable ideas from this
book that will make them successful in sharing information and skills with many others,
so that they too can grow and feel the intrinsic satisfaction of seeing a goal attained.
Contents
Acknowledgments • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • v
Preface • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • ix
CHAPTER 1 Brain-Based Learning • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 2
CHAPTER 2 Lighting the Creativity Lamp • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 44
CHAPTER 3 Setting the Stage for Learning • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 78
CHAPTER 4 Opening with a Bang • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 118
CHAPTER 5 Creating a Stimulating Learning Environment • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 160
CHAPTER 6 Grouping Participants and Selecting Volunteers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 208
CHAPTER 7 Engaging and Energizing Learners • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 230
CHAPTER 8 Making Your Visual Message Sizzle • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 268
CHAPTER 9 Keeping the Communication Flowing • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 318
CHAPTER 10 Celebrating Successes • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 362
Glossary of Terms • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 399
Resources for Trainers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 405
Tools for Trainers • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 415
Graphics for Trainers (Communicating with Graphics) • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 433
Index • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • • 463
vii
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Preface
For almost three decades, I have been involved in training adults in many different en-
vironments. I started as a U.S. Marine Corps drill instructor in the early 1970s, with the
approach that there was just one way to train. That way was autocratic, rigid, and left
little room for individualism or creativity. Since then, I have come a long way in my
thinking, just as many of you likely have since you started your training and presenta-
tion careers. Having worked in profit, not for profit, nonprofit, government, and vol-
unteer organizations, and as a consultant to many major companies and organizations,
I have been able to see and try many strategies for training adults. Some approaches have
been more effective than others.
When I look back on the environment of the military classroom, I certainly under-
stand the theory and reason behind what we did based on the need to train people to
respond to orders unquestioningly. I also recognize the need NOT to try a similar ap-
proach with today’s participants and in a business environment.
My awareness of the need to change and do things differently in the learning envi-
ronment brings me to the purpose and intent of The Creative Training Idea Book. For many
years, I have researched and practiced new and innovative techniques and strategies that
can capture and hold participant attention while enhancing learning. I have come full
circle since my days of military directives and lectures. Today, I attempt to incorporate
a more open, participant-centric approach to learning. Through application of brain-
based learning concepts, which employ a variety of elements such as color, sound, im-
ages, aromas, activity, and music, I strive to tap into various levels of brain activity. My
purpose in doing so is to induce and expand learning and assist in retention of ideas,
information, and concepts. In writing this book, I want to share the best practices that
I have experienced and used.
The need for changing thinking about how adults learn and should be trained is nec-
essary because the world of business is different today. Program attendees are better edu-
cated, more diverse, and more exposed to the world than they have ever been. They also
have a lot of creative ideas to offer based on their personal observations and experiences.
Failure to recognize these factors, and act on them appropriately when interacting with
your learners in a training environment, can result in failure of programs and apathy
among trainees and their supervisors.
ix
x ● Preface
Today, organizations have embraced the concept of learning organizations. Billions
of dollars are being spent annually to qualify employees to compete better in a global
market. Technology is readily available and being used in training at an escalating pace,
with e-learning being the catch phrase for the early part of the twenty-first century. All
of this requires the trainer, facilitator, and presenter of the new millennium to stretch
his or her imagination and look for innovative ways to engage and challenge learners.
This requires thinking “outside the box” when designing training programs and mate-
rials and pulling on knowledge that trainees already possess to make their learning expe-
rience much more fulfilling and FUN!
That’s where The Creative Training Idea Book can help. By providing a comprehensive
resource of research on learning, creative tips, techniques, and sources for obtaining
innovative and inexpensive items to add pizzazz to any training program, I hope to
spark your imagination. I also intend to provide you with a valuable tool for future ref-
erence in your efforts to create the best possible learning environment and experience
for your audiences.
As I developed this book, every attempt was made to identify the originator of all ref-
erenced activities and content. Because trainers regularly modify and pass along infor-
mation and activities, the origins of some material may not have been possible to ascer-
tain. For material included that was not properly credited, I apologize and thank you for
your creativity in developing it. If you contact me, we will make appropriate corrections
in future editions.
Enjoy reading The Creative Training Idea Book; if you have questions or additional tips
and ideas you would like to share, please contact me at:
Creative Presentation Resources, Inc.
P.O. Box 180487
Casselberry, FL 32718-0487
EMAIL: [email protected]
(407)695-5535
www.presentationresources.net
Happy Training!
Bob Lucas
The Creative Training
Idea Book
Inspired Tips and Techniques
for Engaging and Effective Learning
Dynamic
Brain
Research
Memory
3 4
2 5
1
8 Learning
7 9
10
Attentiveness 6
Enrichment Learning
Modalities
Brain-
based
Learning
Multiple
1
intelligences
Stages of
Learning
C H A P T E R
1
Brain-Based Learning
The human brain: a spring board from which we can leap into
the magical world of genius.”
Dilip Makurjea
Superbrain
Learning Objectives
At the end of this chapter, and when applying the concepts covered, you will be able to:
● Describe the theory of brain-based learning and how it impacts the training
experience.
● Use knowledge of brain functioning to design programs and environments that
will stimulate participants.
● Apply recent brain research findings to your training programs to enhance
learning.
● Recognize the elements of learning.
● Create training programs focused on multiple levels of intelligence and the
different learning styles possessed by participants.
● Assist learner retention of information by developing program content and
delivery methodologies to reinforce memory.
3
4 ● The Creative Training Idea Book
rain-based or brain-compatible learning theory focuses on concepts that create
B an opportunity in which attainment and retention of information are maximized.
These concepts incorporate the latest research on the brain and encourage appli-
cation of findings to training and educational learning environments. In this chapter
you will explore how the brain functions in an effort to better recognize ways to develop
creative approaches to training adults and to use props, activities, and incentives offered
throughout the rest of the book.
A key to the successful application of brain-based learning theory precepts is for every-
one involved in the learning process (program designers, managers, trainers/educators,
and learners) first to understand the structure of the brain and how it works. They must
then identify personal strengths and areas for improvement related to the theoretical
concepts and modify approaches to learning accordingly. They must also consciously
focus on learner needs and learning styles to ensure that program format and delivery
are effective.
According to brain-based theory, learning is an active process in which challenges,
ambiguity, and situations encouraging creativity are presented through use of acceler-
ated learning strategies such as those covered in this book. Everything from the environ-
ment to personal actions impacts learners. Participants are prompted to think outside
the box when examining information and issues. Problem-solving, questioning, ongo-
ing interaction, and feedback are important elements in the absorption process, and are
used freely. Learners are also provided with many opportunities to make associations
with knowledge and skills that they already possess while forming new thinking pat-
terns and making additional connections. These connections are strengthened by the
use of analogies, simulations, metaphors, jokes, stories, examples, and various interactive
techniques.
In brain-based learning environments, materials and instruction must be learner centered
and delivered in a manner that is fun, meaningful, and personally enriching. It must also
provide opportunities for participants to have time to process what they experience so
that they can make mental connections and master content. In doing so, learners can
increase personal comprehension and better grasp meaning and potential opportunities
for application.
To ensure you are adequately addressing true participant needs when creating pro-
gram content, take the time to do an advance assessment of what participants already
know related to your intended session topic(s). You can accomplish this by mailing a
questionnaire to participants and their supervisors a couple of weeks before the sched-
uled training. You can also conduct face-to-face or telephone interviews, hold focus
groups involving those who will be attending and/or their supervisors, or visit work sites
to observe on-the-job behavior of participants related to the program topic. Take the
information gained into account as you design program content.
If advance assessment is not possible, write closed-ended questions regarding pro-
gram content on flip chart paper and post these on the training room wall. Have partic-
ipants respond to the questions as they enter the room. You can also pass out 3 × 5 cards
or blank paper and have them respond to questions that are either collected or discussed
Brain-Based Learning ● 5
in small groups and then offered to the entire class. These techniques and more are dis-
cussed in greater detail in later chapters of this book.
BRIGHT IDEA
Facilitator Preparation
T
o understand and apply concepts of brain-based learning to training and
education programs effectively, you must be aware of what research has found
and how it impacts learning. Explore brain-based or brain-compatible learning on
the Internet. Also, attend conferences and workshops and read books and articles
on the topic, such as those listed in the Resources for Trainers section in the
appendices.
● THE DYNAMIC BRAIN
Although it is impossible to condense everything that scientists and researchers know
about the human brain and learning into a single chapter, several important concepts per-
tinent to understanding the brain, learning, and memory are highlighted in these pages.
Recent decades have brought forth an exciting era of neuroscientific (life science that
deals with anatomy, physiology, and biology of nerves
related to behavior and learning) and cognitive re-
search (related to factual data and knowledge) into
the composition of the brain and how it func-
tions. This brain-based or brain-compatible
learning research has uncovered a wealth of
insight into how the human brain devel-
ops, thinks, learns, and retains informa-
tion. From the research, we have learned
much about the physiological structure of
the brain, what impacts brain develop-
ment, and ways that learner motivation
can be influenced. Researchers regularly
explore the role of such factors as gender,
age, body rhythms, emotions, and envi-
ronment in shaping our reactions to stim-
uli and thinking.
Research also indicates that the human
brain is a wonderfully complex organ that con-
tinues to grow, evolve, and learn as a person ages.
“Perhaps the most potent feature of the brain is the
6 ● The Creative Training Idea Book
capacity to function on many levels and in
many ways simultaneously. Thoughts, emo-
tions, imagination, predisposition, and
physiology operate concurrently and inter-
actively as the entire system interact with
and exchanges information with its envi-
Right Left
hemisphere hemisphere ronment.”1 The exciting part, related to
research findings, is that trainers and edu-
cators have an ongoing opportunity to
influence that growth in learners.
The brain is composed of three major
structures: the cerebrum, the cerebellum,
and the brain stem. The largest part of the
human brain (cerebrum) is covered and
protected by a thin layer called the cere-
bral cortex or neocortex. This thin layer
FIGURE 1-1. Brain hemispheres (cerebrum)
of nerve cells constitutes about 70 percent
of the nervous system and serves to gather
and decipher patterns received into the brain by identifying relationships between
objects, data, and other stimuli. Further, the cerebrum is divided into a left and a right
hemisphere (see Figure 1-1) and made up of four areas called lobes—frontal, temporal,
parietal, and occipital (see Figure 1-2). Each lobe is responsible for a different function.
The frontal lobe is located around the forehead and is responsible for such things
as problem-solving, creative thinking, planning and organizing, judgment, and will
power. The temporal lobes are located on both the left and right sides of the head. They
are tasked with such functions as processing sounds, language meaning, and some
memory. The parietal lobe is found on the
top rear area of the brain and receives and
Neoc o rtex Parietal processes higher sensory data received, as
lobe
well as assists in processing language input.
The occipital lobe is located in the back
Frontal
middle section of the brain and has pri-
lobe
mary responsibility for vision. Some scien-
Occipital
lobe
tists believe that there is also a fifth area
imbedded in the midbrain called the lim-
bic system. The limbic system includes the
Temporal
lobe
thalamus, hypothalamus, hippocampus,
and amygdala (see Figure 1-3). It accounts
for 20 percent of brain volume. Scientists
Brain believe that this area is responsible for,
stem
among other things, body regulation, emo-
tions, attention, sleep, hormone produc-
FIGURE 1-2. Lobes tion, sexuality, and smell.
Brain-Based Learning ● 7
Because of the brain’s ability to multi-
task or process many pieces of stimuli simul- Hippocampus
taneously on different levels, you should Thalamus
remember that using a traditional struc-
tured or linear approach to training can be
a learning disaster. “Even though it seems
that we think sequentially—one thought
after another—this illusion is far from the
Hypothalamus
reality of our brain’s true operating system.
Biologically, physically, intellectually, and Amygdala Cerebellum
emotionally, we are doing many things at Brain stem
the same time. In fact, the brain cannot do
less than multi-process!2” Applying a deliv-
ery strategy that involves a step-by-step pres- FIGURE 1-3. Limbic system
entation of ideas or concepts can lead to
learners becoming disengaged, bored, and
seeing the time spent in the session as wasted. This latter reaction can lead to lost sup-
port for future training from participants and their managers.
Because of the brain’s complex nature, presenting information through a variety of
activities, mediums, and senses increases the likelihood of comprehension and action
by learners. As an example of the success of such a multipronged approach to training,
consider how learning takes place in children. They are down in the dirt exploring, play-
ing, and using their hands, eyes, and minds to absorb information through various
modalities. They play with toys, actual items, and in the absence of these, create their
own tools for learning creativity (e.g., toy swords, guns, and cars made from sticks
and various other materials for boys and dresses, shoes, and dolls made from cloth,
boxes, or stuffed cushioned material for girls). Similarly, adults can rekindle this learn-
ing excitement and metamorphic experience if you provide a learning environment
focused on multiple levels of the brain, and that sparks excitement, adventure, challenge,
and fun.
PUTTING YOUR BRAIN TO WORK: ACTIVITY
Think of the types of programs that you conduct. In what ways are you currently addressing the brain-based
needs of your participants? What else could you do based on what you read in the preceding?
8 ● The Creative Training Idea Book
Table 1-1. Quick Brain Facts
Based on research, scientists have found the following about the average human brain:
Contains approximately 100 billion neurons or nerve cells.
Average width is 140 mm.
Average length is 167 mm.
Average height is 93 mm.
Average weight is approxmately 3 pounds.
Covered by a thin layer of nerve cells called the cortex or neocortex.
Continues to grow and evolve in various ways throughout a person’s life.
Made up of four lobes:
Frontal focuses on processes such as decision-making, creativity, judgment, and planning.
Temporal focuses on functions such as hearing, language, memory, and sensory associations.
Parietal focuses on functions related to short-term memory, language usage, and higher
sensory processes.
Occipital focuses on receipt and processing of visual input.
Possibly has a fifth area called the limbic system imbedded in the midbrain that controls functions
such as sleep, attention, body regulation, smell, hormone production, and sexuality. Has two
hemispheres:
Left: focuses on analytical functions.
Right: addresses abstract, ambiguous, and creative functions.
BRIGHT IDEA
Expanding Learner Horizons
T
o involve learners actively, and to tie into concepts of broadbased research, take
participants on a learning excursion to a local mall to allow them to become
immersed in their own discovery. Depending on your program topic, assign tasks
such as observing, gathering information, creating a journal, or interviewing or
surveying people they encounter. Follow observations with discussions, reports,
and/or formal classroom presentations to challenge various parts of the brain, and
to address a variety of learning modalities. For technical courses, have participants
visit local companies, manufacturers, or technical institutes for on-site observation,
research, or information gathering. When possible, allow them to touch and use
actual equipment or simulators.
Excursions can lend an aire of reality because participants can begin to relate
real-world experiences and information to classroom learning.
Brain-Based Learning ● 9
● NEW PERSPECTIVES FROM BRAIN RESEARCH
Only recently have scientists made great inroads into understanding the human brain.
Over the centuries, bits and pieces of information have surfaced; yet there is much more
to discover. For example, in the 1950s Dr. Paul MacLean, of the Laboratory for Brain
Evolution and Behavior at the National Institute for Mental Health in the United States,
proposed the Triune Brain Theory. . . According to McLean’s findings “. . . the human
brain is, in reality, three brains, each superimposed over the earlier in a pattern of brains
within brains.”3 Survival learning is located in the lower brain, emotional learning in
the midbrain region, and higher order thinking and learning in the upper brain. Accord-
ing to MacLean’s research, the human brain has continued to evolve over millions of
years.
At the close of the twentieth century scientists were learning much more about the
human brain. Many people therefore refer to the 1990s as the “decade of the brain” be-
cause so much was discovered about brain functioning and learning during that period.
The biggest lesson learned from research is that we really do not yet know all the facts
about the human brain and how it processes information. Scientists have certainly,
made tremendous strides in expanding knowledge on how the brain is structured, its
capabilities, and how it works; however, they do not have all the answers. One reason
is that they have learned that the human brain continues to grow and evolve into
adulthood.
That belief was not held prior to the 1970s. At that time, simplistic theories related
to such aspects as left and right brain functioning (discovered by Nobel Laureate Dr. Roger
Sperry in 1968) were often taken out of context and used to answer many questions
related to training and learning (see Table 1-2). Even though what we know about left
and right brain capacity is still valid, we have learned that many other factors impact
learning.
People are essentially “whole-brained,” with each hemisphere interacting and pro-
cessing information. Although each person has a preference related to which hemi-
sphere is activated by certain stimuli, learning is not restricted to only one side of the
brain. Both hemispheres work in tandem. For example, a musician uses the right side
of his or her brain to create or visualize music played on an instrument (whole concept),
and the left side to follow the sequence of notes and to determine what movements are
needed to create a pattern in a song (specific parts). Thus, the whole brain coordinates
activities necessary to recall and play a musical piece.
Much of what scientists are currently finding is attributable to major advances in
technology. Brain scanning mehtods such as magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and
position emission tomography (PET) literally open the brain’s functions for visual ob-
servation. With such instruments, electrical and radio waves can be used to track and
record activity as the brain observes; recalls or stores information; reacts to smells,
sounds, and visual stimuli; or reacts to emotional input. Pictures can be taken as a per-
son’s brain reacts to stimuli and the brain “fires” or shows activity in different areas.
Such observations help better determine the types of functions that occur in various
