Tip #968: Free Learning Activities

This Tip helps trainers with strict training budgets by identifying 26 free learning activities that use paper of different sizes.

You know that you need to make your training more interactive and participatory. There are wonderful learning games and activities that cost a bundle, but you are limited by a strict training budget. You may not have a training budget at all.

Free Learning Activities

It is possible to engage participants in highly interactive and experiential classroom training activities that are either inexpensive or free. For example, there are at least 26 different activities that are based on a simple piece of paper! There are also at least 14 activities that are free, because they don’t require ANY materials.

Paper-Based

First, let’s look at learning activities that use paper: either a flip chart, an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper, or a 3” x 5” index card.

Flip Chart

Here are 6 activities that use a flip chart:

1. Large group brainstorming
2. Table groups posting their responses or analysis
3. Gallery walk
4. Relay race
5. Process map
6. Competitive brainstorming

Standard Sized Paper

Here are 13 activities based on an 8 ½” x 11” sheet of paper:

1. Worksheets
2. Questionnaires
3. Fill in the blanks
4. Case study problem situations with questions
5. Role play scenarios with roles and procedures to follow
6. Crossword and word search puzzles
7. Mind mapping
8. Scavenger hunts
9. Mark ups
10. Bingo icebreaker
11. Art projects that require drawing
12. Picture and description of self as an animal, a vehicle or a food group; etc.
13. Snowball toss

Index Card

Here are 7 activities that use a 3” x 5 “ index card:

1. Role play information
2. individual or group brainstorming
3. Self-directed group quiz
4. Icebreaker
5. Presentation notes
6. Progressive problem solving
7. Nominal group decision making

No Materials Required

There are also learning activities that do not require materials, so they are absolutely free. Here are 14 free activities:

1. Pop ups
2. Shout outs
3. Signaling
4. Verbal relay
5. Pair shares
6. Debates
7. Group discussion
8. Visualizations
9. Walkabouts
10. Question and answer sessions
11. Panels of experts
12. Stump the trainer
13. Skits
14. Round robin answers

So, the next time you want to increase the effectiveness of your training programs by making them more interactive and participatory, don’t worry about the cost. These 40 learning activities will spice up learning without making a dent in your budget.

Question: What other participatory activities do you use that are inexpensive or free?

May your learning be sweet- and safe.

Deborah

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