As we look for innovative ways to design training, how do we know that we are innovating and that we have the right solution? What justifies a solution going in the right direction? The real problem may not be evidently clear and when called upon to design training, we are often rushed into a solution without truly knowing where all the learning gaps reside or have a plan or a long-term strategy.
A large part of designing a training solution is also managing stakeholder demand and expectations. Stakeholders may know what they want but not know how to express the desired outcome. Our perception of what we think a stakeholder may want may not be as clear. Ultimately, the resulting outcome may require redesign and redeveloment efforts.
Avoiding every possible misconception is unlikely but how we manage those expectations can avoid misunderstandings. Designing a training solution where you can visualize the internal and external agents that could detract you or aid your efforts will help in implementing that solution.
Whether you are a one-person team or part of a larger team, you may not have the time to consider a think through an innovative approach. The assumption is that you make time for fixing broken processes, rearranging schedules for unplanned requests, and more. What if there is an innovative way to visualize that strategy? What if there is a way to ask questions to explore the deeper understanding of a training solution?
The LEGO® Serious Play® (LSP) methodology is a thinking, communication, and problem-solving set of techniques that provides an alternative model of learning and problem-solving when there is no obvious solution. The methodology is rooted in the learning theory of Constructionism and Constructivism with the notion we learn more with hands-on activities and through play. When we think with our hands, we enter what is known as a sense of Flow that helps with clearer insights, unlocks knowledge, builds confidence, and fosters a shared commitment among groups.
You will have hard fun learning about the power of visual thinking through metaphorical storytelling, understand the value of a shared commitment, have more confidence in working through complex problems, and experience how the power of play unlocks creativity.
In this session, you will:
- Understand the fundamentals of visual thinking
- Learn how to solve problems through metaphorical storytelling
- Learn the value of a shared commitment among a group
- Learn how to build confidence through creativity
- Learn problem-solving techniques by listening to the LEGO brick!
Recommended:
Participants will have a much richer experience if they build along with their own LEGO brick. If you have your own, gather a small pile of random pieces. If you do not have your own LEGO, a small, recommended Classic LEGO kit that can be found on Amazon or most large retailers:
<$10: Classic Brick & Ideas 11001 – 123 pieces
https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Classic-Bricks-Ideas-Building/dp/B07GXC4R9
$10-$15: Classic Creative Bricks – 221 pieces
https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Classic-Creative-Building-Learning/dp/B00NHQFA5E
$15-$20: Classic Basic Brick Set – 300 pieces
https://www.amazon.com/LEGO-Classic-Basic-Brick-Building/dp/B07GXMPSRS
Kevin Thorn
Kevin is an award-winning elearning designer & developer, consultant, and owner of NuggetHead Studioz, LLC., a boutique custom design and development studio specializing in online learning experiences. After retiring from the U.S. Army, Kevin pursued a career in corporate IT and Training & Development. After 15 years, Kevin left the corporate workforce and started the Studioz in 2012 working with clients in various industries solving problems in a wide range of creative projects. Based in the North Mississippi Delta, Kevin harnesses a bench of creative practitioners in instructional design, elearning development, illustration and graphic design, animation, and serious comics to develop innovative solutions. Kevin is a well-known industry speaker and trainer on elearning development, design workflows, and is a certified facilitator in LEGO® Serious Play® methodologies Kevin holds a BS in Information Technology Management from Christian Brothers University, MS in Instructional Design and Technology from the University of Memphis, where he also teaches and is in the Instructional and Curriculum Leadership EdD doctoral program. He can be found on Twitter as @LearnNuggets, on LinkedIn, or around learning and development communities teaching and facilitating workshops where he writes articles, reviews and shares tutorials.
