In one of my recent FUNdoing Fridays emails I shared a link to a Free Experiential Learning Manual from RSVP Designs (free as in, give them your email free - but I like this group, fantastic tools for team building). I recommend the manual as a useful tool for training new team building staff.
As I often do during my activity searches, I took an image capture of an activity shared in the manual in order to explore the idea at a different time. They call it, Making Novel Connections - an exercise in creative thinking (I'm calling it Quadistinctions). When I went back to explore, playing cards and Chiji (Image) Cards jumped to the front of the line. Here are the first several pieces of information for the activity from RSVP:
As I often do during my activity searches, I took an image capture of an activity shared in the manual in order to explore the idea at a different time. They call it, Making Novel Connections - an exercise in creative thinking (I'm calling it Quadistinctions). When I went back to explore, playing cards and Chiji (Image) Cards jumped to the front of the line. Here are the first several pieces of information for the activity from RSVP:
- Take a pack of assorted picture cards that is divisible by 4 - we suggest a pack of 32 to 48 cards.
- Lay the cards out on the table and ask the learners to sort them into sets of 4. Each set of 4 must have something that connects all the cards (e.g., animals)
- The task is easy to begin with but becomes more difficult as fewer cards remain. It may be necessary to break up existing sets in order to fit existing images into sets.
- Insist that the group's members 'force' all cards into sets of 4.
- You can share that finding novel connections is a key skill when it comes to creative thinking.
NOTE: There are some other educational points shared in the manual if you want to dive in deeper.
Okay. I love the simplicity of the exercise. It's a good one for small groups (and larger groups divided into smaller groups - How will the different groups approach the problem and will answers be the same or different, or both?). It's nice for quiet cognitive engagement and can certainly be considered problem solving.
Now, since a deck of Chiji Cards has 48 images, I was ready to try it out (my 'out'come is below). However, since more team builders have access to playing cards I thought I'd try them first. Here's my thinking/idea right now (help me sort it out):
Quadistinctions with Playing Cards
NOTE: This is a different approach to the challenge suggested by RSVP Designs.
As with any Beta testing, let me know how this works for you. And let me know if you have any questions about the distinctions I've come up with (some might not make sense or could be the same as another distinction). Here's the Master List (so far):
Now, since a deck of Chiji Cards has 48 images, I was ready to try it out (my 'out'come is below). However, since more team builders have access to playing cards I thought I'd try them first. Here's my thinking/idea right now (help me sort it out):
Quadistinctions with Playing Cards
NOTE: This is a different approach to the challenge suggested by RSVP Designs.
- Give each group (of 3 to 5 learners) a set of playing cards that include the Aces through the eights (put aside the nines through Kings).
- Challenge the group to discover the 12 different 'distinct' groupings (all cards organized into sets of 4 cards meeting the distinction) on the Master List (below).
- The distinctions for the groupings must be 'arguable' - groupings that are clear and obvious (you, as the facilitator may need to explain your expectations when necessary).
- After forming the sets of 4 to make the distinction, groups may not use these formed sets as another distinction - may not name the formed sets more than one thing.
- If a clear and obvious distinction is discovered by a group, one that is not on the list, it can be written onto the list and categorized as a 'creative discovery' - but will not count towards completing the challenge.
- Be sure to set a time limit for the challenge (e.g., 20 minutes) or end it when one group finds all 12 distinctions.
As with any Beta testing, let me know how this works for you. And let me know if you have any questions about the distinctions I've come up with (some might not make sense or could be the same as another distinction). Here's the Master List (so far):
| quadistinctions_playingcards.pdf |
Quadistinctions with Chiji Cards
Well, I gave myself 30 minutes for my first attempt with Chiji Cards following the RSVP Directions for Image Cards. I almost made it...I'll be making another attempt soon. Here's what I came up with creating 11 out of the possible 12 sets of 4...
Well, I gave myself 30 minutes for my first attempt with Chiji Cards following the RSVP Directions for Image Cards. I almost made it...I'll be making another attempt soon. Here's what I came up with creating 11 out of the possible 12 sets of 4...
I would be super-excited to find out about your success - with whatever deck of image cards you have available. (The next deck I'm going to try is Climer Cards.) Send your discovery to chris@onteambuilding.com Thank you in advance!!
Have fun out there my friend!
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
Have fun out there my friend!
Chris Cavert, Ed.D.
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