Creative Training Techniques - The Bob Pike Group

To successfully teach to different generations, you need to know how each generation learns. Complicating matters: age doesn't necessarily dictate what generation someone belongs to. Becky has some great advice on how you can reach silents, boomers and millennials even when they're in the same classroom.

Why recreate the wheel every time you create a presentation? Becky says just like having a checklist for packing, having a checklist for your presentation makes sure you don't forget important details that can spell the difference between an OK training session and a great training session.

When your computer is running slow, or acting cranky, often just rebooting it will fix the problem. Why? Rebooting it clears the cache—all those unnecessary bits of information that can clog up a smooth running computer. Becky says your learner's brain is like a computer, and when it's having trouble processing what you're teaching, often "clearing the cache" will make things run smoother. She has some great tips on how to do that. Links mentioned in the podcast: Lincoln on Leadership by Donald T. Phillips http://www.amazon.com/Lincoln-Leadership-Executive-Strategies-Tough/dp/0446394599

It's not just what you do during a conference call that makes it a success — it's what you do before, during, and after the call that can make the difference. Becky talks about some not-so-obvious things you should put on your next conference call checklist including picking a memorable start time. Links mentioned in the podcast: www.99designs.com www.fiverr.com

You know that music can impact your mood and energy, but did you know it can impact learning both positively and negatively? Becky has some clear guidelines on when you should and shouldn't use music and what kind of music works best for learning. Link mentioned in the podcast: Training Tunes For Classroom Vol 1-5 http://www.bobpikegroup.com/product/training-tunes-volumes-1-5-royalty-free-music

To Learn Is More Than To Know (And How Games Can Help) What to know something? Read a book. Look it up on Google. What to learn something? Ah, that's more complex. Becky says learning requires people to know, comprehend, and apply knowledge. And good teachers make it happen in the classroom with some help from games. Links mentioned in the podcast Benjamin Bloom's Taxonomy http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Bloom's_taxonomy PowerPoint Game Templates http://tinyurl.com/6nn4dde - Variety of games, including Darts, Blockbusters, Hangman, Millionaire, Concentration, Weakest Link scoreboard, animated Power Point timers, bingo number generator, and Wheel of Fortune spinner. http://tinyurl.com/6ou4nnz - Amazing number of PowerPoint based games: Includes Concentration, Jeopardy, Wheel of Fortune, Millionaire, and Hollywood Squares, Balloon Game, Blast It. http://tinyurl.com/7ntjb6y- University of MN Center for Teaching and Learning has some of the same kinds of PowerPoint games but with a higher education/corporate fe

Reflection is an important part of learning. Becky has some phrases and questions that will help you achieve this important step in the classroom. Links mentioned in this podcast: Heart Math Focused Breathing: http://www.heartmath.org/free-services/articles-of-the-heart/heart-focused-breathing.html

Emotions and memories are tied in our brains. Becky has some great ideas on how you can take advantage of that to make your next presentation more memorable. Links mentioned in this podcast: Made to Stick by Chip and Dan Heath - http://www.amazon.com/Made-Stick-Ideas-Survive-Others/dp/1400064287 Turning Point Technology clickers https://www.turningtechnologies.com/higher-education

How do you tap into social media so your students are learning before, during and after they come to your classroom? Becky has some great ideas on you can use social media in learning.

The answers you give in a debriefing are important, but so are the answers your students give. How can you make sure the answers your students give are just as useful as your own? Becky has five points you should consider.

Debriefing is one of those things that happens at the end of a classroom session, but Becky says it's the first thing you should think of when putting together your lesson. Becky tells you what questions to use and most importantly - what questions to avoid.

You probably know that pictures can make for a better presentation. But how do you know if the picture or graphic you're using is helping or hurting your lesson? Becky talks about why simple is often better than being "visually loud."

Talking at people is boring, while getting discussions going is more fun and fosters better learning. But how you get that discussion going is crucial. Becky outlines four points that you need to keep in mind when engaging your class.

What time zone is it? The answer could dictate just how you do a presentation.  Becky talks about what humor, analogies and metaphors do and don't work across cultures.  Suggested reading "When Cultures Collide" by Richard Lewis available here.

Spending too much time on the road? Wouldn't you rather be at home? Becky has some hints on how you can get management buy-in to moving some of your courses from being taught on the road to being taught online.

What do you do when your class is made up of executives and millionaires who are all more senior than you? How do you lead a group of leaders so they become learners? Becky has some common-sense ideas that will help you manage any group of learners — no matter who they are.

What does the blood in your feet have to do with paying attention in class? Everything! If you get that blood to the brain, you're more alert. Becky has some quick energizers to wake up your classroom.

Being a facilitator can be fun or difficult depending upon the purpose. Brainstorming: fun! Conflict resolution: tense! Becky has the secret to dealing with either kind of facilitation.

Is your class bored stiff with your presentation? Perhaps it's your attitude! Becky has a pre-class ritual that will add more zing to your lesson.

Your client will want objectives for just about any class you do. Becky tells us writing objectives can be easy as ABCD and can be done in a minute.