I could use some ideas for 3 small group breakout sessions for a workshop that we're putting together. At this point, I'm looking for general interactive formats that could be used in breakout sessions. I'm stuck at flip charting and maybe a small panel discussion. Any other ideas for types of activities for breakout sessions?

Hi Sunshine -- as you know, define comes before design. Therefore, activities are driven by what you're trying to accomplish, not the other way around. First examine what you want students to accomplish, then brainstorm how they may do that. (Determine the "what" then determine the "how".)

You're asking people to give you the how without providing the what.

quote:

You're asking people to give you the how without providing the what.

No, I'm just asking for general ideas. The session objectives probably won't make too much sense outside of my industry. I was just hoping to get some ideas of types of activities that are often used, other than flip charting, for small group breakouts.

I recommend, for general ideas, that you begin with resources that list general ideas. There are loads of ways to have people get active with what they're learning. There are many available on the internet, in a bookstore and in your library. Recommended authors:

Sharon Bowman
Dave Meier

How about putting "training activities" into google? If all you want is general - there's a plethora of general already out there:

http://www.google.com/search?hl=en&q=training+activitie...ogle+Search&aq=f&oq=

And a plethora of books:

http://books.google.com/books?hl=en&q=training+activiti...operty-revision&cd=1

How about case studies? You can have your small groups try to come up with creative solutions to a common problem associated with your industry and what you have been training.

Another idea I've learned about in my travels around the ASTD website that I like is called Stump. Have the groups come up with questions and then ask them to the other groups. See what groups scored best and who was able to stump the class.
Marci