== Choosing Ice-Breakers with a Purpose ==
Icebreakers can be a positive addition to a training session by energizing the group, initiating creative thinking, and encouraging involvement. This practice provides guidelines for using icebreakers.
Issue
Training sessions should include a variety of interactive, experiential activities. Icebreakers are often used during training to make people open up or feel comfortable, encourage participation in a group activity, and stimulate inclusion. An ineffective icebreaker can create discomfort or tension, straining rather than energizing a group dynamic.
Action
For an icebreaker activity to be effective, it should be well designed and linked to training objectives. A good icebreaker:
• Should not last longer than ten minutes if it is the opening activity; an icebreaker at other points during the training tends to have an optimal length of 15 to 30 minutes
• Encourages trust and cooperation within a small group or the entire group of members -- some icebreakers should be cooperative rather than competitive
• Makes the group feel challenged, but not uncomfortable
• Is a team building experience and involves all members
• Initiates conversations and interactions
• Increases the respect and liking of other group members
• Shows interesting new things about people who have known each other for some time
• Reflects your members' diverse needs. Select an activity that is appropriate to your groups' age level, physical mobility, or personal interest
• Is appropriate for your group's stage of development
• Ties the activity to the session topic
• Fits your training session design; for instance, if you need smaller groups to be formed later in the training, use the icebreaker to accomplish this
• Fits the training location
Use icebreakers:
• At the beginning of pre-service training to help members become acquainted and begin the session with a fun activity
• After lunch to avoid the mid-afternoon fatigued feeling
• After a difficult or intense session to release tension
• After assigning members to work with people they do not know well to facilitate group interaction
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