12 engaging activities to bring your workshops to life
Have you ever looked out at a sea of bored faces during a workshop and thought, “I wish I could spark some life into this group”? You’re not alone. We all strive for sessions where every participant is tuned in and eager to contribute. This is where the strategic inclusion of activities becomes an instructional game-changer.
The power of activities in learning
In the evolving realm of education and professional development, integrating activities into learning design is a cornerstone for promoting engagement, knowledge retention, and the practical application of concepts. Thoughtfully curated activities serve as catalysts that energise workshops, foster collaboration, and deepen comprehension. They shake things up, make people think, and get them to actually do stuff with what they just learned.
Thoughtfully crafted activities:
Break the ice
They create a welcoming atmosphere, encouraging learners to participate actively.
Stimulate minds
Activities engage critical thinking and creativity, prompting learners to apply new concepts in realistic scenarios.
Transform learning spaces
They convert passive settings into dynamic, interactive forums where every participant contributes to the learning ecosystem.
But beware! Poorly designed activities can lead to:
Confusion and disengagement
Unclear instructions or irrelevant tasks can frustrate learners.
Wasted time and resources
Activities not aligned with objectives can detract from learning goals.
Loss of focus
When activities don’t support the core learning outcomes, they can sidetrack the entire learning process.
To mitigate these risks, it’s essential to use well-constructed, purpose-driven activities that are directly tied to learning objectives.
6 activity ideas
So what could engaging activities look like? Here are 6 ideas.
Icebreakers
- Photo Introduction: Ask participants to find a photo on their phone that relates to the workshop topic and share it with the group, explaining its significance. It’s a personal way to introduce the topic and learn about the participants.
- The Quote Game: Distribute different quotes related to the workshop’s topic and have participants discuss what they think it means and how it relates to their expectations for the session. This stimulates thought and discussion on the workshop content.
Group Bonding/Teamwork
Marshmallow Challenge: Teams are given spaghetti sticks, tape, string, and a marshmallow. Their task is to build the tallest free-standing structure with the marshmallow on top in a limited time. It encourages collaboration, problem-solving, and creative thinking.
Escape Room Puzzles: Divide participants into teams and give each a set of puzzles or riddles that need solving to “escape” the room. This activity fosters teamwork, communication, and logical thinking, as teams work together to decipher clues.
Share It/Reflection
Gallery Walk: After completing a task or project, each team presents their work on a poster. Participants walk around the room gallery-style, viewing each team’s poster and leaving feedback on sticky notes. It encourages sharing of ideas and reflective thinking.
- Learning Letters: At the end of a session, each participant writes a letter to themselves reflecting on what they’ve learned and how they plan to apply it. These letters are collected and sent back to them after a few months, serving as a reminder and motivation.
Note: The real magic of learning happens during the activity debrief, where the experience is tied back to the program’s learning outcomes and the real world. Asking the right debrief questions is crucial; it transforms a simple activity into a profound learning opportunity, making abstract concepts tangible and applicable to daily challenges.
Activity Cards – 6 more activities!
Recognising the importance of high-quality activities, we offer a practical solution—Activity Cards, designed to invigorate any learning session with activities that are:
Customisable to your brand
Tailor each card to your brand. Swap logos, tweak fonts, and inject your colour scheme with ease. It’s your content, your style.
Physical and digital friendly
Suitable for both in-person and virtual environments, reflecting the hybrid nature of contemporary learning.
Designed for 3 activity categories
Cards come in three categories, each designed to fit seamlessly into different phases of your session:
- Warmups: Kickstart your session with a burst of energy and enthusiasm.
- Group Bonding: Foster collaboration and build a cohesive team environment.
- Share It: Encourage engagement, reflection, and the absorption of learning.
Want a sample pack? Complete the free download form at the top of the page.
Or, invest in the full suite to unlock the complete potential for creating workshops that engage and leave a lasting impression. Activity Cards – the solution for bringing your learning experiences to life.
Related articles
Bloom’s Taxonomy: A Guide for Creating Effective Learning Outcomes
Merrill’s Instructional Design Principles
The 70:20:10 Learning Model