Training can be tiring sometimes, and many underestimate how much mental energy it takes to be taught, especially virtually. Luckily, there are valuable tips and tricks to help this burnout, so Instructors do not need to teach to a bored audience or reinvent the re-engagement wheel. When Instructors feel the group’s energy dipping, this is a useful game to refresh the training, keeping everyone actively engaged and on their toes, while reminding them of course material that was just covered. The best times to use this game are usually mid-training right before or after a break, at the end of a session, or at the beginning of the next lesson.
Game Instructions
In order to adapt this game to our ever-changing world of online and blended learning, let’s go over how this game can be adapted to in-person and online use. This way, everyone will be able to participate, no matter the type of training program!
Instructor Led, Traditional In-Person Training
With the Instructor in full sight of all participants, highlight the fact that a lot of topics were recently covered by your training. Announce to the class that you will be randomly choosing Learners to quickly list a key learning point from the last lesson, then quickly move on to the next. Each answer should only take about 5-20 seconds. This should force all Learners to think about the lesson or check their notes, in case they are called on unexpectedly, After your announcement of the game and the purpose behind it, start calling out random Learners by pointing at them or reading random names in a Participant list. Remember to keep the energy high and move quickly! After a few have gone and all main points are covered, discuss with the class what was not talked about and why it may have been missed. Explore more when necessary.
Virtual Instructor Led Training (VILT)
Luckily, the virtual version of this energizer memory game is very similar to the in-person process. The only true difference lies in how Instructors choose which Learners to call on. Instead of pointing, we suggest putting all names in a random name generator and live-screen-sharing the results. For a free random generator tool, we recommend Wheel of Names or CommentPicker. This way, all Learners can see and hear who’s name is called. Utilizing two senses instead of just calling names cuts down on confusion in case it’s difficult to hear or see the Instructor, as well as increases the game element of this exercise. After picking a name, ask the chosen Learner to quickly list a key learning point from the last lesson, then quickly move on to the next. Each answer should only take about 5-20 seconds. This should force all Learners to think about the lesson or check their notes, in case they are called on unexpectedly, After your announcement of the game and the purpose behind it, start calling out random Learners by pointing at them or reading random names in a Participant list. Remember to keep the energy high and move quickly! After a few have gone and all main points are covered, discuss with the class what was not talked about and why it may have been missed. Explore more when necessary.
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