Ways to Energize, Purposefully
Most of us have a book or two full of energizers. I have many! They are full of page after page of short activities that are meant to be fun and funny. Sadly, in my experience they often make me feel silly and uncomfortable. Worse yet, they sometimes seem disrespectful. I’m left feeling, “Why are we doing this? When will the learning start.”
Icebreakers, Warmups, and Energizers: Using Experiential Tools Effectively
As a 30-year experiential education practitioner (think challenge course, ropes course, group initiatives, etc.), I have had numerous opportunities to dig into my experiential toolbox and select an activity to match my group’s energy or need. I say activity intentionally, as these tools are not learning tasks per se, but interjections into the group flow to enhance the learning experience.
These opportunities have taught me to be thoughtful and purposeful in my selection, as the right tool serves to either ease tension and anxiety, get the group ready to learn, or provide a brain-break away from the learning. The wrong tool – used in the wrong situation or at the wrong time – can negatively impact a group’s safety and ability to be present for the learning.
EXPERIENCE THE 2025 WORKSHOP SERIES
We are so excited to release our workshop series dates for the new year. You will recognize some of your favorites as well as a few new key options! If you have end of the year funding, let us know and we’ll help you invest in your team and your own professional development.
A Global Leadership Conference to Remember
After planning efforts were postponed for 2.5 years due to the pandemic, One Challenge International needed to develop its organization-wide strategic plan to establish direction and intended outcomes for a five-year period. There was a strong need to bring together organizational leaders from across the globe for learning, deep connection, discernment and planning for the future.
Move and Talk – A Technique
‘Take 15 minutes to walk with a partner outside to discuss this question…’ Those words can be music to learners’ ears when we have been sitting a lot or been in a multi-day event.
So, why don’t we see this technique used much? Why do we feel we need to stay in the training space and can only use other spaces during breaks and down time? Why do we keep people in their seats so much where we know they are getting tired and distracted?
Go for a Gallery Tour – A Technique
‘Take 20 minutes to move around the room with a partner …’ Those words can be music to the ears of many learners when we have been sitting for a long-time training or they have been in a multi-day event.
So why don’t we see this technique used much? Why do we feel we need to stay in the training space and can only use other spaces during breaks and down time? Why do we keep people in their seats so much when we know they are getting tired and distracted?
Designing Successful Asynchronous Learning
Sometimes the best way to offer content is on-demand and asynchronous. Personally, I most enjoy designing in-person learning experience. However, sometimes it is actually best to design for an online learning experience, either synchronous or asynchronous.
It’s Time for Some Systems Training!
Many of us feel overwhelmed by the thought of needing to learn new technology. Many of us struggle to learn these tools, especially when it is online. However, from time to time a new e-tool or system will increase efficiency and effectiveness and is needed.
How much is enough? How do we teach a new e-system or tool when staff is busy and technology-averse? How do we maximize learning of new technology?
How The Art of Gathering Changed the Way I Host
If you’ve ever wondered, “can I apply my design or facilitation skills to my spouse’s graduation party?” Priya Parker’s The Art of Gathering will help you confidently say, YES!
Transformative gatherings can happen anywhere – this book is not just about dinner parties. Whether learning is the primary goal or not, The Art of Gathering shares bold strategies for making any get-together – from a routine meeting to a funeral – into a space for meaningful connection.
Getting to Know You: Safety in a Learning Event
Take a moment to think about a time when you attended a workshop and entered a room full of unfamiliar faces. What feelings did you experience? Anticipation, fear, maybe excitement. Rogers and Hammerstein’s famous song lyrics come to mind “Getting to know you, getting to feel free and easy. When I am with you, getting to know what to say.”
A Church Responds to a Request from Pope Francis
The Situation St. Vincent de Paul Church has been a Baltimore institution since 1841 and is the oldest Roman Catholic parish in Baltimore to operate continuously in its original church structure. Rooted in Christ, it is committed to being a radically inclusive...
Dear Professors: We Have a Few Requests
As students, we do our best to learn and know that you as professors, do your best to teach. However, things need to change. Here are a few requests that will help students learn more easily and more deeply. Thanks for caring enough to read these nine tips!