This is a little activity listed in the book in connection with chapter three which talks about activating prior learning. The author believes that new information needs to be connected to prior knowledge. She suggests that some of the icebreakers trainers use in their sessions are more beneficial when linked to something related to the topic. One of the topics she teaches is called multiple intelligences which is related to the different ways individuals can be considered "smart". Multiple intelligence bingo is conducted using a board like a bingo board except each square lists qualities or unique skills different people may have. For example: can easily sing the harmony or melody, knows how to get back to locations without a map, easily remembers song lyrics. The game is played by finding people who match the descriptions in the bingo squares in order to achieve bingo. The objective is to have the participants engage in learning how the other participants are smart and this then sets the stage for learning about the topic.
When I went through training at the National Institutes of Health, a similar activity was used as an icebreaker (I don't remember it being tied to the topic). It has always stuck with me as a fun way to get members of a group to know each other. The added component of connecting the questions within the squares to the topic makes the activity more beneficial. I can envision being able to make up questions that could relate to any topic in a class or a training session. Can anyone come up with some questions or ideas related to this activity that would connect the activity to the topic they cover?
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One of the things I do is a "Train the Trainer" type course. This would be a good way to break the ice, and at the same time get the point across that people learn and are smart in different ways.
ReplyDeleteThis would be way more interesting than the ice-breaker I was going to do.
Thanks!
I've used BINGO type activities with ESL lessons; but I could certainly see using as an ice breaker - though I would imagine the participants would need to know specific details about everyone. How would you know special skills/abilities someone has?
ReplyDeleteParticipants have to ask each other in order to find out who has what quality. It forces people to talk to each other.
ReplyDeleteWhat a great icebreaker! I like how the author stresses the need to relating the new information to prior knowledge. I think it is extremely beneficial to retraining the information quicker.
ReplyDeleteYes, that's a good point about prior knowledge. She gives a great example about teaching a Nursing Ethics class. She has the participants find a partner and describe a situation to them when they had a difficult dilemma, how they felt and what they did.
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