If you think about it, you might deduce that when our bodies are prepared for fight or flight in response to a threat, our brains don't do a lot of thinking. We react on instinct. Carry this over to the classroom that feels scary and threatening to participants. With increased tension comes reduced retention; it's just tough to function properly when we feel particularly vulnerable. Enter GREEN training.
GREEN is an acronym, which we like at The Bob Pike Group because it makes information much easier to remember, for a philosophy on how to manage your classroom in an inviting and welcoming way that will improve retention.
Greet and Group
Don't overlook the value in having people build bonds as they enter your classroom. It eases tension and allows for change in a setting that feels safe.
Revisit
Important materials should be revisited often and in various ways. Why revisit and not review? Participants retain more when they revisit content instead of the trainer reviewing it with them.
Engage
Open your training session with impact. Tell a surprising but relevant story. Give a shocking statistic that relates to the product demonstration or sales. Get participants involved to help break preoccupation immediately.
Energize
Throughout training, have controlled stretch breaks or include a brief activity that may or may not be related to content as a way to refresh and recharge your learners. Standing and movement give an energy lift. This is a great idea especially after lunch!
iNvolve
Invite participants to become actively involved in their own learning. Get them involved with other learners. This is a particularly effective ally when attempting to manage difficult participants. Give learners choices and encourage participants to take action on their learning.
This was adapted from Janice Horne's class "Shabam! Renew, Reuse, Recycle."
