Top 10 activities for participant centered learning

Following on from my “top 10” (ways to split a group) post a couple of weeks ago I thought I would do another one.

So here, in no particular order, are my top 10 activities for un-facilitated learning:

1. Check list – each participant is provided with a tick list of activities they should have completed by the end of the session or programme. As the learners complete each activity they tick it off (good for showing progression throughout a programme)
2. Murder mystery – you provide a series of clues to solve a mystery. In pairs, learners   take on the role of a CSI and collect the evidence from the murder scene. They could then complete a 5W. (Why, What, Where, When, Who)
3. Carousel activity – resources are placed around the room. A worksheet is produced that corresponds with each set of resources that can be found around the room. Learners get a prearranged amount of time with each resource to complete the corresponding section of the worksheet before they have to move to the next resource.
4. Information extraction from books – books are located on different tables. An instruction card is placed next to each book listing the information that is required from each page. Learners extract the relevant information from the book and record it in their own words.
5. Workbook - Provide each participant with a workbook that requires them to complete elements to reinforce key learning points and encourage reflection. For example, fill in gaps, crosswords, blank spaces for their own free text, reflective questions…
6. Market Place – A set number of learners are given different information that they keep in their ‘market stall’. The remaining learners go to the different ‘market stalls’ and obtain the information from the stall holders. By the end of the activity the majority of learners will have collated all the relevant information.
7. Presentations – Learners research and prepare a presentation on an element of the programme. Good for reviewing previous sessions.
8. Posters – Same as presentations.
9. Thinking Hats ‐ Learners are provided with a primary information source (newspaper article/ current event/ selection of information, websites…..). They are then split into 6 groups. Each group will take ownership of a coloured hat. The group will then need to extract the information required from the primary information source focusing on the requirement of their hat (RED = key words and emotions, BLACK = facts and figures, YELLOW = good points, PURPLE = negative points/things that went wrong, GREEN = alternatives/future). The final group will be wearing BLUE – they will need to be in charge and manage the conversations and discussions that are occurring in each group. After the information has been collected, the sub-groups present the information collected to the rest of the group. This activity works well when comparing cases studies etc.
10. Projects – Tip: Make sure they are work based projects with properly defined scopes and outcomes. You could even cost them and demonstrate some ROI on the training.

So, those are mine. What are yours?

group image by cindiann

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