QTD User Conference

Summary of Trend: Brain Science
Your brain works more effectively when you apply brain science techniques like those described in “the 6 trumps” (see
graphic below). Google training using brain and cognitive science principles.
http://bowperson.com/2016/07/the-6-trumps-bookmark-to-go-with-the-6-trumps-guide/
Participants’ lessons-learned about brain science:
• Use of simulator, creation of work-books, games during class, providing breaks and
movement, playing with toys while learning – these all take advantage of what we know
about brain science.
• Leveraging brain science results in greater attention from learners.
• Research shows that children fidgeting is actually helping them learn, adults may learn the
same way. If your hands are doing something, you might be processing information better.
• CBTs should provide something for learners to do (i.e. activities with their hands), not
just dump content at them.
• The more the learners are made to do something while learning, the more they will retain.
If they work for it, they’ll learn and retain it better, but structure is key to this.
• Trainers need to include specific questions, specific timeframes, and add controls/
boundaries to their courses.
• Straight memorization is out – it’s been shown to be less effective than brain-sciencedriven
learning.
Six Trumps
Movement trumps sitting
Implement a training
exercise instead of a lecture.
Talking trumps listening
Ask questions and allow
trainees to respond out loud.
Images trump words
Include a visual presentation.
Writing trumps reading
Shorter trumps longer
Try a written exercise instead
of assigning several pages of
literature.
Allow breaks in between:
instead of sitting for 3 hours
break for 15 min after an hour.
Different trumps same
Switch up your courses;
don’t make them all the
same.
Note: Participants requested the link to one of the templates we used at the conference – this one from thebalance.com was a “Family Feud”
template we used in one of our gamification demonstrations.
https://www.thebalance.com/free-powerpoint-games-for-teachers-1358169
www.QualityTrainingSystems.com Office: 443.755.0790
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