Monthly Archives: March 2015

Training Quotes and Maxims

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Merriam-Webster defines maxims as well-known phrases that express a general truth about life. People often use maxims and quotes as a way to become enlighten, motivated and inspired. Quotes and maxims can be found in almost all aspects of understanding the meaning in life. Here are some quotes that relate to teaching and learning.

  1.  “The art of teaching is the art of assisting discovery.”- Mark Van Doren
  2.  “What I hear, I forget. What I see, I remember. What I do, I understand.”-Confucius
  3.  “You cannot teach a man anything, you can only help him discover it within himself.”- Galileo Galilei
  4.  “The mediocre teacher tells. The good teacher explains. The superior teacher demonstrates. The great teacher inspires.”
  5.  “If you can’t explain it simply, you don’t understand it well enough.”- Albert Einstein
  6.  “Those who know, do. Those who understand, teach.”-Aristotle
  7.  “It’s no use talking unless people understand what you say.”- Zora Neale Hurston
  8.  “The five steps in teaching an employee new skills are preparation, explanation, showing, observation and supervision.”-Bruce Barton
  9.  “The teacher is the one who gets the most out of the lessons, and the true teacher is the learner.”- Elbert Hubbard
  10.  “Learning never exhausts the mind.-Leonardo da Vinci
  11.  “I am always doing that which I cannot do, in order that I may learn how to do it.”- Pablo Picasso
  12.  “Your most unhappy customers are your greatest source of learning.”- Bill Gates
  13.  “I never learn anything talking. I only learn things when I ask questions.”-Lou Holtz
  14.  “No one learns as much about a subject as one who is forced to teach it.”-Peter F. Drucker
  15.  “True Leaders bring out your personal best. They ignite your human potential.”- John Paul Warren
  16.  “Knowing is not enough; we must apply. Willing is not enough, we must do.”-Goethe
  17.  “We are what we repeatedly do. Excellence then, is not an act, but a habit.”-Aristotle
  18.  “I am still learning.”- Michelangelo

 

Storing Training Supplies

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Ice-breakers, games and energizers are a great way to reinforce skills and to also provide immediate feedback. I am a true believer that the learning process should be fun and engaging. Organizing the tools that I use for games and activities on the other hand, has been quite challenging. I have made many attempts to find the best way to organize training supplies in a manner which would be easy to use. In the past, I have tried many different ways of organizing training materials including planning ahead by putting out enough supplies for the number of people expected. However, this did not always work especially when additional people would show up for the training.
basketI decided the best way to solve this problem was to find a storage bin that I would be able to prepare in advance and put away with ease. On a visit to a local teacher supply store, I came across these caddies. Right away I knew they would be perfect. I love that the caddies are available in an assortment of colors including green, orange, purple, blue and black.
Training supplies that I generally use on a regular basins includes pens, pencils and markers which fit nicely into the caddy.

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markers1 I also include index cards and post-its as a way for people to write down any questions they may have or a way to engage people during a training activity.

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 A few examples on  ways of using the caddies:
This caddies includes markers, scissors and post-its for a group depending on the size of the group, I may have baskets that are identical for a general exercise but if the activity is more of a creative exercise, the caddies may differ.
caddiesample This caddie includes pens, markers tape, rubber bands and index cards my goal is always to make the activity as much fun as possible.
I also like that the caddies are stackable which makes it easy to put away. It is also easy to transport if you conduct trainings at multi-sites
Where to Purchase
There are a number of places where these caddies can be found. I mentioned earlier that I was able to locate them at a teacher supply store and most places offer the option of purchasing online or in person.
School Outlet- 4 in a pack for $11.45
Lakeshore Learning- 6 piece for 29.99
Dollar Tree-24 minimum for $24.00 (a case)

 

 

Serving Snacks During Training Sessions

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The Staff Trainer’s Blog

 

Did you know that March is National Nutrition Month?

National Nutrition Month was created by the Academy of Nutrition and Dietetics to focus on the importance of making healthy informed food choices. This is so tough for me especially when I am constantly on the run. Between conducting trainings and attending meetings, every once in a while, I feel the need to grab something quick to snack on and according to my scale the vending machine is not my friend!

Most trainings, seminars and conferences that I have attended seem to have a direct connection to food. Water is typically served at larger venues, while smaller workshops that I have attended tend to include continental breakfast or lunch. I have learned over the years that there is no greater motivator while conducting trainings than food and as a learning and development professional, it is often a balancing act in merging the two together.

Most States offer standards in providing healthful choices when serving food at meetings or events. Here in the State of New York, guidelines allow for serving snacks including mixed nuts, air-popped popcorn with light seasoning, water and an assortment of fresh fruits such as apples and pears.

So if you are on a budget like me, what are the best snacks to offer that are both filling and nutritious?

Trailmix- Most Trailmix snacks tend to offer a combination of dried fruits, nuts and chocolate. Trailmix is a snack that can be bought in bulk and is easy to store. It also provides a quick energy boost and is great to serve during the midday and late afternoon when most participants start to get tired.

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Almonds-Almonds can also be purchased in bulk and there are many health benefits of eating almonds including relief from constipation, respiratory disorders, anemia and protects the artery walls from damage.

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Pretzels- This is a snack that comes with iron, zinc and folate and is low in fat. The downside is that the sodium is high, so it should only be offered in moderation

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Water- saving the best for last, water has so many great benefits including controlling count calories, helps in digestion and constipation, flushes out toxins and relieves fatigue. If possible, water should be offered throughout the day.

Do you offer any snacks that are not on the list? Would love to hear from you.

 

 

February Workplace Learning and Improvement Links

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Invisibilizing  Workplace Learning- Allison Rossett
70:20:10 and the Learning Curve- Clark Quinn
What is the difference between HPE, HPT and HPI and does it matter?- Human Performance Tools for Practitioners
6 Ways to Add Sizzle to Your Classroom- Learning Rebel
BYOD: What Training Professionals Need to Know-eLearning Industry