In a previous post we discussed that closers are those activities that; allowed students to review content in an interactive way; ties the training together and; provides an opportunity for a celebration. Closers may be written into the course to end a unit of training or may be used to review the entire course. Here are a couple of my favorites:
Window Frames – Provide each participant with a flip chart page and markers. Have them draw a line down the middle of the page and across the middle of the page dividing the page into four equal sized sections. Give them 10 minutes to review the content of the training and then draw one picture in each section describing two things they learned, one thing they were reminded of and one thing they are going to do different as a result of the training. After their time has expired have them post their window frames on the wall and see if the class can guess what each picture represents. Time required: 30-45 minutes depending on class size.
Jeopardy – Prepare a Jeopardy board using a flip chart page and sticky notes (see picture) for a low-tech Jeopardy game. Create four to five broad headings covering different topics presented during the training, with five questions for each topic. Have teams choose a topic and an amount and then award them the points if they get the answer right. If not, the opposing team may “steal” if the answer correctly in 10 seconds. If neither team gets the answer, the points go to the instructor or are discarded. Click here for a sample of detailed instruction. Time required; 45 -60 minutes.
Ball Toss – Simply have everyone stand at the end of a unit of training. Give instructions that as the ball is tossed around the room the person receiving the ball should:
- Tell something they have learned during this section of training.
- Call the next person by name and make eye contact.
- Toss the ball underhanded to that person.
- Sit down as that person shares their lessons learned so everyone knows they have already shared.
The instructor then tosses the ball to someone in the room to start the process. When everyone has shared the last person tosses the ball back to the instructor.
Walk-About – This is an excellent way to overcome the afternoon blah’s by getting everyone out of their seat. Tell everyone to pick up their workbooks, find someone in the room they have not yet interacted with and then take a walk-about. During the walk-about they have to leave the room, share 2-3 things they have learned so far during the day of training, and be back in their seats in 9 minutes. Set a timer and tell the class to begin. Encourage them to go on a walk-about outside if the weather permits so everyone can get some fresh air. Time required: 15-20 minutes.
Trash Day – Have everyone write a short description of what they have learned on a piece of paper. Let them know to write clearly so someone else will be able to read it. Once everyone has written their lesson learned, have them wad up the paper and throw it at someone across the room. Have them continue to throw the papers around the room for 15 seconds. Then, have everyone find one, open the paper and read it to the class. Time required: 5-7 minutes.
