I was recently in Turkey doing program evaluation training for the United Nations, which meant carrying a variety of ubiquitous plug adapters. I laughed at the above combination of plugs - all feeding into one that would fit the hotel outlet, allowing computer and IPhone to charge. The need to … [Read more...] about Learning means converting & translating
Putting learning technology in the back seat – where it belongs
At its best learning technology should disappear into the background, allowing the learning to shine. At its worst technology is so much in the foreground that nothing else is discernible (enter video conferences where participant faces look like something a Star Wars make-up artist dreamed up … [Read more...] about Putting learning technology in the back seat – where it belongs
Turkish swirling smoke, whirling dervishes & Wi Fi; learning with the old & new
I'm in an outdoor restaurant watching folks rest up after a long day. I'm not sure which is more responsible for the slouching against the low slung couches - the heat and humidity or perhaps not having eaten all day, for it's the first day of Ramadan, the Islamic month of fasting. It's my last … [Read more...] about Turkish swirling smoke, whirling dervishes & Wi Fi; learning with the old & new
A great example of evocative learning & development
Good training uses good design. Good learning and development ties new information to knowledge that participants bring with them. Good training takes complex concepts and presents them in simple but not simplistic ways. Good learning and development creates 'ah ha' moments that learners discover … [Read more...] about A great example of evocative learning & development
How do you like your learning – with or without olives?
Being in Istanbul, Turkey to do a program evaluation training on behalf of the United Nations naturally means eating a Turkish breakfast. This morning I found myself musing about learning over olives. Yes olives. I was watching the pile of uneaten olives grow on the plates of my breakfast mates. … [Read more...] about How do you like your learning – with or without olives?
Training trouble? Activate shield deflector
If you put yourself in the spotlight as a trainer, as a learning and development specialist, it follows that at times you'll get burned. And that spotlight can be mighty hot. In my 20 plus years of designing and leading training workshops I've had my fair share of challenges: a particularly rude … [Read more...] about Training trouble? Activate shield deflector
Our inner mean girl (aka the vile bitch that lives upstairs)
Caveat: if you're a guy reading this, simply imagine your inner mean guy or the vile arse that lives upstairs. Who's your worst enemy? Likely it's you. Yep. You. How many times has the voice in your head grumbled: how could you possibly have something to teach anybody? no one will be … [Read more...] about Our inner mean girl (aka the vile bitch that lives upstairs)
Learning comes in all shapes, sizes & venues (including family reunions)
Some prefer their learning delivered through stacks of facts. Facts lined up with their edges squared and precise, like the desks in an old classroom. Facts stuffed to (over)fill precious time. Trainers channeling their knowledge into (supposed) empty and (un)willing brains. Others (in the know) … [Read more...] about Learning comes in all shapes, sizes & venues (including family reunions)
Knowledge management – how about a 'to-consider' list
I'm all about learning, about soaking up new knowledge and creating a sumptuous, creative smorgasbord of learning opportunities for my workshop participants. I have lists of books that I've read, dog-eared, highlighted, scribbled in and otherwise marked up for how to transfer the knowledge they … [Read more...] about Knowledge management – how about a 'to-consider' list
Doing things differently gets attention- even when it comes to saying thanks
I've been on a roll with two prior posts about how we as trainers can do things differently, in order to help prime our participants for learning. I think being creative and doing things differently is critical to being a great trainer. If participants don't want to learn, if they're not paying … [Read more...] about Doing things differently gets attention- even when it comes to saying thanks
Doing things differently as a trainer gets attention
Learning can't happen without attention. Our brains have to be sitting up, ready to absorb, in order to learn. One way of getting our participant's attention is by doing things differently. By doing things creatively. How much have the estimates changed of how much oil is pulsating into the … [Read more...] about Doing things differently as a trainer gets attention
Doing things differently gets attention
I'm all about creating a sumptuous banquet of learning opportunities that participants can't help themselves but dive into. One way to do that is to do things differently. Doing things differently gets our brain's attention. "Hey you gray matter - pay attention - something unusual is … [Read more...] about Doing things differently gets attention
