Frequently Asked Questions:
Who uses our materials?
Many companies all over the world use out materials. Visit the Clients Page to see a more in depth list.
Why do facilitators use our materials?
Our activities:
- are stimulating, involving, relevant, memorable and fun
- are non-threatening and have wide appeal
- focus attention on and meet specific training needs
- focus on drawing out, developing and applying relevant learning
- are supplied complete with comprehensive manuals
- can be used over and over again: they don't wear out!
- can be run indoors or out
- can be used across all job functions, ages, gender and cultures
- they work!
What is the role of the Facilitator, Trainer or Teacher?
The role is to facilitate personal learning, not provide theory, systems, answers or 'school solutions'. Wherever possible the aim should be 'self teach' therefore facilitators must understand and apply the principles of activity based learning, but they do not need specialist knowledge, certification or training.
How does our approach work?
Through their involvement in tasks participants' generate situations similar to those commonly encountered at work. They create genuine, tangible issues that provide the basis for personal learning. Questionnaires encourage each participant to analyse their performance and think through the impact of their actions before they discuss their answers. Through discussion they develop a greater understanding of what happened and why, and how they as individuals, team members or leaders could have been more effective. Finally participants consider the consequences of their learning and set themselves personal targets for improvement which can either be tested and enhanced in further training activities or transferred immediately to the work place.
How are real issues generated?
We replicate the work place by introducing tasks which participants tackle with, through or in competition with others. The tasks are very different in content, duration and difficulty but all are absorbing, stimulating and challenging. Most are based on plastic components to introduce interest and movement. Sometimes sub teams are given different but complementary briefs, but everyone is always asked to be his or herself, with no role playing or acting of parts.
How long does an activity take?
Most tasks take between 10 and 45 minutes, but as the emphasis is on learning through reviews. A complete activity can take several hours. In some activities the task is broken into several stages separated by learning reviews.
Can the materials be seen in action?
Yes - we offer facilitator workshops throughout the UK and occasionally elsewhere. Everyone has the opportunity to get involved as a participant as well as discussing all elements of the materials and their effective use.
Can the activities be run with large groups?
Each activity summary includes recommended group sizes (typically 5-15), but some can be adapted for larger groups. We do have activities suitable for very large numbers... 200 plus: please contact us to discuss specific requirements.
Are the materials re-usable?
All the components are very durable. Consumable items eg. review sheets, may be copied for use within the purchasing organisation. or we can supply them digitally if required.
Can the materials be hired?
We are very happy to hire our materials, please contact us for details.
What happens if a component is lost?
We carry stock of all components and can supply replacements in whatever quantity you require.
Is there any additional support for trainers?
We want our activities to be used effectively so we are more than happy to provide personal service, offer support and share our ideas - just call us.
++ 44 (0) 1937 844800
What do I get when I buy a pack of materials?
Our materials are supplied as complete packs*, so for example if you buy a Standard MTa KIT you will receive 2 holdalls of polypropylene components together with 3 manuals which contain facilitator guides, encapsulated participants' briefs, review sheets and learning transfer documentation.
All the components are reusable and the consumables (learning review sheets etc.) can be supplied electronically free of charge for use by the purchasing organisation.
- If anything is lost replacements can be bought individually.
Can you tell me more about the facilitator's manuals?
The facilitator's manuals are written to enable competent facilitators to run the activities with no further training. Each contains:
- A guide that explains all the key elements of the activity; an overview, learning objectives, preparation of the room ( e.g. space required), any support materials (e.g. flip chart), suggested timings, role of the facilitator, suggested review and learning transfer processes
- Re-useable participants' briefs
- Review and learning transfer documentation (can be supplied electronically at no extra cost)
Do facilitators need to be specially trained?
No; the materials are designed for use by facilitators who are competent facilitators of experiential learning
Do facilitators need to be licensed?
No. When are materials are sold they are purchased outright so there is no licensing or limit to the number of times an activity can be used by the purchasing organisation.