We provide training and resources to improve your thinking.

INSTRUCTIONAL DESIGN: Management Training, Corporate Training, Training Redesign

At Brainy we design training programmes which produce greater ‘stickability’.  As our training is holistic, we utilise memory strategies, music, exercise, motivation, accelerated learning, technology and food to deliver world class programmes.

Learning is more than simply transferring information from a trainer to a participant.  If it was simply that easy we would ask people to read a book or a webpage and wouldn’t bother with training.  Well designed training incorporates different memory strategies so that trainees can retain the information once they understand it.  We provide training in creative thinking, strategic thinking, mindmapping and emotional mastery that teach the concepts and make them stick.   We also provide a service whereby we redesign current training programmes for companies.  If you are a manager or work in a learning and development department and believe that the  content in some of your training is great but that the processes aren’t very interesting or memorable - this is where Brainy can assist.  We can take your current materials and add more interesting processes to enhance motivation and retention of the information.  We all know that transference of learning into the workplace is a challenge for any training programme but this is more likely to occur if people carry the new information in their heads rather than in their workbooks. 

Music is another important component in our training designs.  We understand that when completing different types of activities the brain operates at different frequencies and that these frequencies can be influenced by the use of music.  For example, different ranges within the Beta frequency range [14 - 30 mHz] are particularly conducive to creativity and learning.  We use and recommend iMusic for influencing brain frequencies for maximum creativity and memory retention. 

Physical movement and exercise during training is essential and not only to prevent boredom.  Exercise encourages a brain protein called BDNF [brain derived neurotrophic factor] to

be released.  BDNF acts like fertiliser on brain cells encouraging the growth of new neurons and connections between brain cells [i.e., it supports the learning and retention of new information].  When doing instructional design we ensure that fun, non-threatening physical activities are incorporated throughout each day to encourage the release of BDNF in order to support learning. 

Motivation...need we say anything else?  We bet you have sat through management training programmes or indeed any type of corporate training and have experienced the ‘prisoners’ who did not want to be there.   During the instructional design process, we use an understanding of the organisation and the potential participants to include material, case studies, examples and images that are likely to appeal.  For example, in a recent training redesign for a call centre induction programme, we created case studies/computer profiles based on famous people who would appeal and be more memorable to the 18 - 25 year old participants.  These were then weaved through the training design so that a bank of memories were created around these profiles.

Accelerated learning - Incorporating memory strategies, music, colour, multimedia content as well as material that caters for diffe

rent learning styles allows participants to learn faster and increase retention. Brainy uses Kolb’s experiential learning model, Honey & Mumford’s adaptation and the NLP concepts of visual, auditory and kinesthetic information processing to guide the types of activities that are included.  Activities that keep learners engaged and scheduled repetition and reviews are also central to accelerating learning. 

Technology - Mind Mapping programmes are used routinely in our training to provide overviews of information and to show delegates how everything fits within the big pictu

re.  Mind Mapping software is also used in think tanks and group facilitation to capture ideas within a group.  What we love about the software is that the ideas only need to be typed once and can then be exported in other programmes such as word for editing and sharing.  Videos and music are also common place in our designs to increase interest levels and to support learning.  Increasingly, Brainy is incorporating more e-learning or on demand components in our training designs.   This allows delegates to review the material over time - this repetition is central to information being remembered. 

Food - What you eat during training can either support you or make it more difficult to learn.  In Brainy programmes we include low Glycemic Index snacks, snacks and foods that are rich in omega oils and main meals that are rich in antioxidants, wholegrain carbohydrates and organic protein.  These choices are all made to keep the glucose levels in the brain at a balanced level as brain cells are unable to store glucose - its primary fuel.  If you are organising a training programme we would encourage not to arrange high sugar sweets such as cakes and biscuits as these interefere with the brain’s functioning and make it more difficult for people to concentrate.

The other essential component for any training programme is water.  Purified, Artesian Basin or Spring Water is used and we set a goal that approximately 1.5 litres be consumed each day during training [and yes, we book training rooms that are close to bathrooms!]. We discourage tap water due to the contaminants of chlorine and flouride]  Although the brain only weighs about 2.5% of our bodyweight it consumes about 20% of our nutrition - it is therefore imperative that we support it nutritionally if we want to maximise learning and retention.

Instructional Design Checklist [for instructor led programmes] - Before signing off on any instructional design piece, we recommend that you use the following checklist to assist you in deciding whether a solid design has been created.

1. 1.Have appropriate learning outcomes [specific & measurable] been created & approved by key stakeholders?
   

2. 2.Were the key content areas outlined in consultation with subject matter experts & key stakeholders?
   

3. 3.Does the content & processes appear to achieve the stated outcomes?
   

4. 4.Does the design cater for different learning styles [activist, reflector, theorist & pragmatist]?
   

5. 5.Does the design cater for the variety of information processing preferences [VAK]?
   

6. 6.Have specific memory enhancing techniques have been included in the design?
   

7.     Are stories, examples, analogies & metaphors included in the design?
   

7. 7. Is music included to create optimal brain frequencies for learning?
   

8. 8.Have a variety of activities been included [discussions, games, Q&A, computer practice, theory/models, video, observations, journals, questionnaires, guest speakers...]?
   

9. 9.Have energisers and physical movement been included throughout the programme?
   

10. 10.Has a facilitator guide and participant workbook be created?
    

11. 11.Is the facilitator specifically guided to build trainees confidence and provide certainty [the core human need] to delegates throughout the training?
    

12. 12. Does the design link to any pre-learning activities?
    

13. 13. Does the design provide follow up reinforcing learning activities?
    

14. 14. Are brain-friendly foods provided during training that keep brain glucose levels steady?
    

15. 15.Is the training evaluated using Kirkpatricks’ model at a minimum of three levels?
    

        Level 1:  Delegate reactions - did they enjoy and feel engaged during the training?

        Level 2:  Did they learn and have they remembered the material?

        Level 3:  Application of learning to the job [i.e. have they used it?]

If you have any questions please feel free to contact us

Ph: 1300 Brainy [within Australia - 1300 272469]

IDD:+61 431 745 464.

E: thinking at brainy.com.au