Blog Tip: First Think It, Then Ink It!

After you, as the teacher/trainer, have given some information to your learners, stop lecturing and suggest that learners take a minute to think about what they have just learned. Then direct them to do one of the following three choices:

1. Write a sentence summarizing the important concepts.
2. Write a sentence telling why it is important for them to know what they just learned.
3. Write a sentence stating how they can use what they just learned.

If time permits, have them read their sentences to one or two people seated near them. Or you can ask for a few volunteers to read their responses aloud.

This activity is also called a "Think and Write" or a "Rapid Reflection." You can also make up your own title for it. It is a quick, one-minute review that engages all learners and helps move information into long-term memory. As such, you can use it with all ages, all group sizes, and all training topics. In fact, try it out at community, church, or school meetings, with kids when doing homework, or anytime you want folks to remember and use what they learn.

Cheers! Sharon