Transforming Learning into Action

A quick game May 18, 2010

I love games that use pictures. For example I use Interpra Cards (www.thelearningkey.com) as a way to generate discussion on a topic through various rounds of sharing. So typically I would have a multitude of picture cards out on tables and ask everyone to find a card that describes X. Then depending on the number of participants they may share in small groups or one-to-one first before sharing as a large group. The goal during the discussions and sharing is to identify themes connected to the workshop’s content and goals.

For skill building I may ask them to find a picture that illustrates the biggest challenge in applying X. Next participants need to find a partner and teach them how to overcome that challenge as if they were a coach.

When you debrief these activities and ask what participants experienced insights are typically shared like:
• It broke down barriers to sharing
• It was fun and creative
• It was energizing
• It made me think about the topic and how it personally affects me
• It was interesting to hear other’s perspectives on the same topic
• It was interesting that someone choose a picture that was a positive for them but someone else choose that same picture as a negative