Thinking Creatively, Comparing, Contrasting, Categorizing

Synectics: Synectics help participants build analogies for any number of topics. It is a freeing activity in that it allows your audience or class to process information as a group or as an individual. Synectics can serve as a learning scaffold in a variety of situations, especially with new groups.

• Prepare a list of visual clues. These can be postcards, toys, everyday objects, or index cards with photos glued to them.
• Let participants choose cards themselves or distribute randomly. Participants compare and contrast their item to the topic you have chosen. For example: How is _______ like a GPS?

MUYOM: Make Up Your Own Mind by completing these thoughts-

"I believe..."
"I disagree with..."
"I predict..."
"I wonder why..."
"I noticed..."
"I felt..."
"The real truth is..."
"I don't understand..."
"What if..."

Color Candies: Distribute candy to participants. Have a list of reflection questions prepared and linked to each color of candy. Each participant answers a question based on the color of candy they received.

Continuum: Using string or tape on the floor, create a continuum representing different views of the issue under discussion. Ask participants to stand at a point on the continuum and explain why they chose to stand there.

Writing in the Round: Prior to a break, provide a writing prompt or question that pulls together several key concepts from the training. Two participants begin the process by taking one or two minutes to write a response to the prompt. This response story is passed around until everyone has had a chance to contribute.

Role Play and Skits: Provide opportunities for participants in small groups to assume different roles or create skits.

Scrapbooking: Save items throughout the process, and then use these items to make a group scrapbook at the end of the lesson or workshop.

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