![\"OLYMPUS](\"http:\/\/www.poortrainer.net\/wp-content\/uploads\/2014\/05\/Training_Facilitation_photo-e1400099993253.jpg\")
<\/a>A lot goes into\u00a0facilitating a good training and one of the key skills of a good trainer is knowing when to “call and audible” and insert an activity into a curriculum. \u00a0Having a variety of Mixers, Openers, Closers and Pop-Ups allow you to make adjustments on-the-fly \u00a0when you are running short of content, need a quick review, or when you \u00a0have a class that seems to have succumbed to the high carb lunch they consumed. \u00a0In this post I will explore the differences between the activities and in subsequent posts will provide some examples of some activities you may use. \u00a0Let’s start with a common understanding of terms:<\/p>\nMixers –\u00a0<\/strong>Mixers are activities that allow participants to relax, disconnect from their day-to-day activities, and network among other participants. \u00a0These activities can last from a few minutes to half an hour depending on class size and time allowed.<\/p>\n Openers<\/strong> – Openers are much like mixers though you should always try to relate the activity to the content of the class. \u00a0Bob Pike says the key to an Opener is that they:<\/p>\n Pop-Ups<\/strong> – Brief activities that break up content and require participants to re-engage with the class. \u00a0The attention span of the average adult is 10 – 12 minutes so adding activities to content is needed to maintain focus and attention.<\/p>\n \u00a0Closers –\u00a0<\/strong>Use a closer at the end of a section of training. \u00a0Closers have the following attributes:<\/p>\n In my last post we explored a window-pane activity that could be used as a closer.\u00a0 Let’s take a look at an activity you may choose to use as an opener for training.<\/p>\n You will need a few supplies.\u00a0 Ensure that the tables have standard 8×11 card stock and markers.\u00a0 Sharp tip markers are helpful if available.<\/p>\n Have participants turn over their name tent (which will often be 8×11 card stock) and divide the page into four equal sections.<\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n <\/p>\n After they complete their drawing they will:<\/p>\n At the end of the activity have everyone “high-five” their current partner and return to their seat.<\/p>\n As you can see, this meets the definition of a opener.\u00a0 It breaks preoccupation, the exchange of information allows for networking, answering what they would like to learn from the course relates it to the material, it’s fun for everyone and will hopefully leave them wanting more.<\/p>\n Got any other ideas for openers, send them to me at poortrainer@gmail.com<\/a><\/p>\n Next week I will post my 2-3 favorite pop-ups that can be used in almost any class.\u00a0 Happy training!!!<\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":" A lot goes into facilitating a good training and one of the key skills of a good trainer is knowing when to “call and audible” and insert an activity into a curriculum. Having a variety of Mixers, Openers, Closers and Pop-Ups … Continue reading \n
\n
\n
<\/a><\/p>\n\n