Start-Stop-Continue-Change Ideas & Activities
Start-Stop-Continue-Change is a versatile training tool used throughout a learning event. Expert Trainer Nora Gerber was kind enough to share her facilitation notes with Trainers Warehouse. The prompts are packaged as pads of sticky notes from Trainers Warehouse, but you can create your own as well.
Overview of Start-Stop-Continue-Change Tool
Use the colorful notes as an “action-plan catcher.” They’re more powerful than handouts because learners can take them home and post them at their workstations as reminders about how to apply the course content.
Start of Day Activities
Distribute 1 sheet of each prompt (green, red, yellow, blue) to every participant. Welcome them to pick up additional sheets over the course of the session.
1 – Throughout the Session – Take Notes on all 4 Prompts
Use START, STOP, CONTINUE, & CHANGE Notes Throughout the Day
Throughout the day (anytime or at designated intervals), encourage participants to jot a note-to-self on any or all of the 4 PROMPT sheets. The activity heightens awareness in the moment and draws out key takeaways. By the end of the session, each participant will have their own set of ah-ha moments and action plans.
2- Focus on "Continue"
Build Positivity, Discuss Strengths & Reinforce What Works Well
Early in the session, encourage individuals to take note of the efforts and processes currently working well for them. Have them write these on the “CONTINUE” note, to reinforce the importance of continuing these practices. Not only does it help people recall and focus on good practices, but they will be able to share these notes during pair-share or table talk activities later in the session or during a conversation about strengths if that is part of your curriculum.
3- Pair & Share to Energize the Group
Have participants pair up (seated or standing) to share their notes on any or all 4 PROMPTS . Use this activity at any time to encourage individuals to reinforce learning, highlight takeaways, and create action plans.
4- CHANGE-UP - a growth activity
Focus on Opportunities for Growth and Change
In this activity, players will find a partner with whom to pair-and-share for 2 minutes, talking about their “change” notes. After that time, they’ll change partners and repeat the activity. Have participants swap partners 4 or 5 times before returning to their seats. It’s fun to focus on the “CHANGE” prompt for this activity, but it will work for the other prompts too.
5- Intentions & Commitments
Have groups, seated or standing, declare their transfer-of-training intentions in any or all of the 4 PROMPT categories. In this inspiring activity, the practice of articulating and committing to actions, in front of a peer group, leads to greater follow-through. Try this after lunch to regroup and re-focus their attention or as a closing activity.
6- Exit Passes - Powerful Closer
Request that participants hand you their “CHANGE” notes as their exit pass. Stand at the door to collect these as you thank each person for participating. This provides facilitators with instant feedback on their plans to apply the learning and can assist you in improving your course delivery. Consider asking participants to sign their names at the bottom so you can send an email reminder of their commitments to take action.
© Trainers Warehouse. Notes created in collaboration with Nora Gerber
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