At the annual Bob Pike Group conference, one attendee asked the following question. Because of the seemingly renewed interest in one-on-one training, I want to also answer that here. I also mention three sources for easily implemented training ideas you can buy at the links provided.

Asked: How can you do an opener with one trainee?

Answered: The book One on One Training has many resources for using creative training in the classroom with only one participant! One of those tips is "Technique 31: Brainteasers," which is good for encouraging directed thinking and giving positive feedback. Here's how you do it.

Brainteasers are great to use at the beginning of a session or after coming back from a break. They really get those synapses firing. However, because there is only one participant, don't put the person on the spot. Instead, share the brainteaser by describing your own experience with it and your own struggle before someone helped you find the correct answer.

Only allow the trainee to struggle with the brainteaser for a short time, and then share the answer with him or her if none is forthcoming. The Tricks for Trainers series and the Wuzzles books (out of print, but used copies often are available at Amazon.com) also are excellent sources for content-related brainteasers.

This question was first answered on Bob's blog here. Bob updates the blog on a weekly basis as he ties in current events with training applications. You can sign up now for our 2011 conference and  save up to $647 and get three free webinar registrations! Click here for details.