Dusting off the Tool Box: Tips for Trainers

Section 2: Handout 4

Ideas for Beginning the Class

Develop And Review Ground Rules

These are rules to conduct the meeting or class. They establish the behaviors the participants expect from each other. The instructor can initiate the development of the ground rules by giving some examples
such as:

1. We will keep to the agenda and time schedule.
2. We will end the seminar with a plan for our next steps.

The group should have an opportunity to offer suggestions. The ground rules should be agreed upon at the beginning of the class.

The Parking Lot

The Parking Lot is a place in the middle of the table, hanging on the wall, or on a flip chart. It is a place to “park” ideas, questions, and comments that may not directly relate to the discussion, but ones that participants do want addressed. The purpose of the Parking Lot is to keep the group on task and to diffuse side bar conversations. The Parking Lot is visible to all and reviewed by the instructor at the end of the class. If using a flip chart, the instructor can use it to write unrelated questions or ideas that come up during the class. Another
way to use a Parking Lot is to give everyone post-it notes to write ideas and questions on that are important considerations but do not relate to what is being discussed by the group at the time. Participants can “park” their notes freely during the class. If utilizing a Parking Lot, remember to leave time at the end of the seminar to review the questions and comments.

New Words/New Terms Chart

Using a flip chart or posting chart paper to record and define words, terms, and initials ensures that all participants are familiar with the vocabulary. Having a New Word/New Terms Chart available serves as a reminder to instructors that presenting information in everyday language that is jargon free provides for a more open, participatory, and collaborative training.