Trainers are exposed to the idea of including an Activate Prior Knowledge activity in the opening section of the training plan during the Fundamentals of Effective Training course (FET).

Activating Prior Knowledge is an important process for a trainer and the participant. The activity will help participants build a bridge between what they already know to what new information they will be exposed to during the training. The activity will activate the brain to begin thinking about the content based on their past experiences and allow them to build on that foundation. Trainers can also use the activity as an informal assessment that would allow them to adapt training content to meet the needs of the participants.

The Activate Prior Knowledge activity can be something simple. You can create your own or adapt something you have seen or participated in at a previous training. You can always search the web for suggestions or network with other trainers about activities they have had success in the past using.

If you have questions or want further information about activities you could use in your training, reach out to your Training Coach!