Over the last couple of years I’ve posted about a number of twists on activities traditionally used as icebreakers that I re-purpose as active, social approaches to reflection, processing or academic review (see August 4th and May 7th posts). These active dialogue activities not only...
In my work with students of all ages in a variety of schools and treatment programs, I notice that many increasingly seem to struggle with group communication, decision-making, and conflict resolution. On the playground during recess I observe elementary and even middle school students coming...
This article was originally posted in the fall of 2010. Over the past couple of years I have continued to explore this subject. Here is the updated post: While in graduate school, I had an interesting conversation with Dr. Jasper Hunt, my professor at Minnesota...
A few weeks ago I posted a picture on Facebook of a group of teachers engaged in one of my favorite problem-solving activities. I received a number of queries asking more about this activity. "Fill the Crate" is one of my favorite problem solving challenges...
Those whose work requires that they lead groups with other people often share that co-facilitation is one of the most challenging aspects of their jobs, but also the most beneficial and rewarding. When you have to explain your ideas and plans with someone else, it...
Group participants truly respond—even subconsciously—to a facilitator’s attitudes, demeanor, and expectations. We often communicate more than we realize with our body language and tone. A positive attitude is contagious. If you really believe in the methods and activities you are using with a group, they...
In past posts I have emphasized both the importance of engaging learners from the first few moments they enter the classroom or group space and the value of blending reflection or processing of experiences throughout a lesson or program. Quotes are one of the many...
Engage learners from the moment they walk in the door. Rather than using these precious moments for focusing on taking attendance, collecting homework, or other “administrative” duties, involve students in an activity that helps them transition into the learning environment, make positive connections with their...
Interactive approaches to practicing, recalling, reviewing and discussing academic material such as this one increase engagement. According to new research on the brain and learning, using a variety of teaching and review methods that involve multiple senses helps learners retain and recall information by...
This time of year many of us are returning to the classroom or kicking off training programs. We often start by facilitating community/team building activities with groups to build positive rapport and buy in as they start the semester, training or course. As the...
As readers of this blog know I am excited about new research on the brain and learning and the links between the emerging field of educational neuroscience and experiential learning principles. Over the last couple of years I have been attending a number of professional...
Think back to your most memorable learning experiences, the courses you enjoyed, and the teachers you found effective. How did they start off their classes or workshop sessions? How did they begin the school year? How did they greet you when you came into their...
Many educators look for some simple group activities to begin the process of community building in their classrooms and groups. Last year in our back to school series Jen Stanchfield author of Tips & Tools: The Art of Experiential Group Facilitation offered up a few...
In May I posted a couple of my favorite activities to get groups moving, talking, reflecting, and keep them engaged: Concentric Circles and Handshake Mingle. Both of these activities are great for helping larger groups of all kinds build rapport or to engage learners...
In this Inspired Educator Blog post Jen Stanchfield shares her experiences using reflective activities to help schools celebrate the successes of the year and summer programs start off on the right foot...
Playdough Pictionary has been one of my favorite "go-to" activities for years. Though I first started using it in team-building programs I have found that it is a great active multi-sensory approach to curricular content review as well as a community and group building. The...
Recent research from cognitive neuroscientists validates the idea that educators will increase participant attention, motivation, and learning outcomes when they intentionally weave in opportunities to get them away from their desks or boardroom tables and move, interact, discuss and reflect with their peers...
When I work with educators from all backgrounds I often find myself encouraging them to reflect on the idea of a “student centered ” or "participant centered" view of teaching and group facilitation. In this approach an educator/counselor/facilitator thinks of themselves as a "guide" in...