This course is designed to enable trainers to use a range of participative methods with individuals or groups of learners. It focuses particularly on syndicate work, case studies, exercises, management and soft-skill activities and role-plays. Briefing, debriefing, observation and feedback are among the essential topics explained and practised.

This course is designed for trainers and management development specialists who use or wish to use participative methods in their training. Those attendingshould have had previous direct training experience and be able to use both discussion and question-and-answer techniques. This requirement would be satisfied by on-the-job training experience or completion of a training foundation course.

By the end of the module, participants will be able to:

• choose from a wide range of participative methods taking time, costs, facilities, learning objectives, individual and group needs, etc into account
  
• write tailored briefs and adapt materials to suit particular learning needs
  
• prepare and run participative activities such as case studies, role-plays and exercises/activities, using a step-by-step approach
  
• brief, observe, feedback and review participative activities

DAY 1

1. Icebreakers

• what are they? why use them?
  
• experience examples

2. Overview of participative methods

• purpose and benefits
• exploring the range of options, from low to high tech
  
• trainer's role

3. Promoting and managing discussion

• review and refresh
• range of methods and approaches including the role of low and high tech options

4. Using buzz groups and syndicates

• what are they? why are they used?
• handling syndicates

5. Using case studies

• what they are, why they are used
• range of case study styles and approaches
  
• how to run, debrief and review case studies

6. Preparing a case study in syndicates.

DAY 2

1. Running a case study – practical exercise

• giving and receiving feedback
  
• practice in running a case study

2. Exercises and activities

• key stages in running exercises and activities
  
• range of exercises and activities
  
• how to choose, prepare, run, observe, feedback and review

3. Preparation of practicals to run the next day.