Tried and True Tips for Trainers and Facilitators
- The old adage
"practice makes perfect" really
comes into play when you are training. Participants
need the opportunity to practice the skills being
taught, not just intellectualize them.
- It is also important to not overload
your students. Set realistic objectives for each session and do not
try to accomplish too much at once.
- To keep energy and interest levels
high, mix things up by alternating talking with group activities.
- Remember,
if you are talking more than the participants, you are lecturing NOT
facilitating.
- Be
sure to take regular
"get up and move around stretch breaks" to keep
everyone's blood flowing
and let information absorb.
- Try and incorporate the arts into your
teaching. Activities such as role playing, singing, dancing, and
art projects are
powerful ways to get your
message across and make for added fun.
- Being prepared with a
topic is important, but being flexible and responsive to the
needs of participants is even more important. Take the time to
find out what they would like to discuss.
- If you are using
flipcharts you may want to arrive early to jot down a few key
points. Be sure
to print
neatly and legibly, and use a variety of colours.
You may also want to give participants a turn at
scribing.
- If possible, and it is appropriate for the group
you are working with, have upbeat / pleasant music
playing when the participants arrive and when they
are on breaks.
If you have a "tried and true" tip that you would like
to share with the LAPS family, please send it our way and we
will be sure to include your idea(s) in upcoming newsletters.
We can all learn from each other!
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