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Trainers in Motion

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Trainers in Motion

Creating a Participant-Centered Learning Experience

AMACOM,

15 min read
8 take-aways
Text available

What's inside?

Do you want people you are teaching to sit like robots, or do you want them to think, react, participate and learn?

Editorial Rating

8

Qualities

  • Innovative
  • Applicable

Recommendation

Jim Vidakovich’s Trainers in Motion is published in a binder with dividers, so you can add your own notes and comments. This reader participation workbook parallels Vidakovich’s approach to involving participants in their own training. Vidakovich begins with an initial discussion of his approach, but the majority of the book is very hands-on, with descriptions of exercises, illustrations of room arrangements, lists of suggested approaches and questions for you to answer. This notebook is packed with good ideas from an expert on training. The caveat: at about $90, it’s a little pricey. Nonetheless, getAbstract.com recommends it with confidence to trainers and workshop leaders. If hands-on is your style, you have a very well-informed friend in Jim Vidakovich.

Summary

The Value of Participation-Centered Learning

Traditionally, training employs lectures and uses little interaction although research indicates that this is not the most effective way to teach. Participant-centered learning, which provides a better learning experience and is more fun, will shape the future of training.

This kind of training is based on new ways of involving participants by using a number of props. These training tools can include chimes, whistles, markers, colored paper, index cards, post-its, foam balls, music and a variety of play materials, such as small plush toys, play dough and pipe cleaners. These materials can be used in demonstrations or participants can employ them in small-groups or for one-on-one activities.

In a sense, this approach is similar to "edu-tainment," which The Children’s Television Workshop used effectively to teach children through Sesame Street and other programs. Some "old school" corporate managers view participation-centered learning with skepticism, but increasingly trainers are shifting from "tell-me, trainer-centered" methods to this show-me and involve-me approach. This shift is occurring because participation-...

About the Author

Jim Vidakovich is an international seminar leader, corporate trainer, new media and marketing consultant, motivational speaker and Emmy-award-winning producer. He is the former Marketing Director of the Children’s Television Workshop, which created Sesame Street and other children’s educational programming.

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