Creative Training Tips: Learning Styles

The following Creative Training tips work well with at least two learning styles. The three generally-accepted umbrellas for learning styles are: auditory learner, visual learner and kinesthetic learner.

Passing the Hat: Tip #5 from Optimizing Training Transfer

One way to ensure participants get a chance to share what they’ve learned is by “passing the hat,” says Rick Bennett, a team leader trainer at CSARC in Windsor, CA. After a topic is covered, or at the end of a session, he asks each participant to write down one valuable concept gleaned from the course, and how it can be used. The ideas are tossed into a hat, box or other convenient receptacle. After all have contributed, the hat is passed again, and each student removes one note, putting it back and drawing again if it’s the one he or she contributed. The ideas may be read aloud. The result? Everyone leaves with at least one (and usually many more) useful concept and a way to use it.

Crossword on a Large Scale: Tip #21 from Optimizing Training Transfer

Crossword puzzles designed around course material facilitate individual and group review in courses led by Lee Polk, chief quality engineer for Navistar International of Melrose Park, Ill. During a break, he puts a customized crossword puzzle on each student’s desk. After the break, each student is given a number corresponding to a crossword clue. They may exchange numbers if they choose. Polk then asks each student to stand and answer the crossword puzzle question that matches his/her number. Students with correct answers win a chip that can be exchanged for a prize. Students who give wrong answers must name another student to answer the question. Polk says this review technique has increased retention and cut review time by a third.

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Have a Creative Training tip you’d like to share? Submit your best training or teahcing tips here. Next month’s theme is Minimizing Design Time.