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icons of the movie industry: award, film reels, and film negatives

Movie Rights and Recommendations

by Susan Landay on Apr 02 2011
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Following is a Corporate Programming Guide put out by the Motion Picture Licensing Corporation’s (MPLC). They are an excellent one-stop resource to obtain rights to legally play movies in training rooms. MovieClips.com The listing includes the training topic, movie title, and studio. If these aren’t just right, or if you want to preview some clips before you explore rights, MovieClips.com is a good resource. I can’t promise they’ll have all the clips you want, but it’s a good starting point. Accountability Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius; Columbia Tristar The Majestic; Warner Brothers Analyzing Issues Dead Poet’s Society; Touchstone Pictures Attitude Casino; Universal Pictures How the Grinch Stole Christmas; Universal Pictures Character A Few Good Men; Columbia Eight Men Out Orion Pictures; Corporation Judgement at Nuremberg; United Artists Phenomenon; Touchstone Pictures Quiz Show (1994); Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) The Truman Show; Paramount Pictures The War (1994); Universal Pictures Choices Dances with Wolves; Orion Pictures Corporation (distributor) Dangerous Minds; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Kate and Leopold; Miramax Films Coaching Bambi; Walt Disney Coach Carter; Paramount Pictures Toy Story; Walt Disney Cold Calling Tommy Boy; Paramount Pictures Communication Austin Powers: Intl. Man of Mystery; New Line Cinema Finding Forrester; Columbia Pictures Rebel Without a Cause; Warner Bros. Pictures The Color Purple; Warner Bros. Pictures Young Frankenstein; 20th Century Fox Compromise Judgement at Nuremberg; United Artists Confidence Hoop Dreams Fine Line Features Hoosiers Orion Pictures Corporation (distributor) Conflict Anger Management; Columbia Pictures Dead Man Walking; MGM Distributor Dumb and Dumber; New Line Cinema Freaky Friday; Walt Disney For the Birds**; Pixar Animation Studios Happy Gilmore; Universal Pictures Planes, Trains and Automobiles; Paramount Pictures Stepmom; Columbia Pictures The Sum of All Fears; Paramount Pictures Tommy Boy; Paramount Pictures Decrease Mistakes Dances with Wolves Orion Pictures Corporation (distributor) Diversity/Discrimination A League of Their Own; Columbia Pictures Anger Management; Columbia Pictures Dead Man Walking; MGM Distributor Finding Forrester; Columbia Pictures The Mission; Warner Bros. Pictures Efficience / Proficiency Apollo 13; Universal Pictures Monsters, Inc.; Pixar Animation Studios Willy Wonka and the Chocolate Factory; Paramount Pictures Ethics A Time to Kill; Warner Bros. Pictures Austin Powers: The Spy Who Shagged Me; New Line Cinema Bobby Jones: Stroke of Genius; Columbia Tristar Changing Lanes; New Line Cinema Chariots of Fire; Warner Bros. Pictures Edward Scissorhands; 20th Century Fox Eight Men Out; Orion Pictures Corporation Hancock; Columbia Pictures Juno; 20th Century Fox Quiz Show; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) The Terminator; Orion Pictures Corporation (distributor) The Insider; Touchstone Pictures The Truman Show; Paramount Pictures The Untouchables; Paramount Pictures Wallstreet; 20th Century Fox Honor & Integrity A Beautiful Mind; Universal Pictures Batman Begins; Warner Bros. Pictures Before Sunrise; Sony Pictures Entertainment Gladiator; Dreamworks SKG Gods and Generals; Warner Bros. Pictures Karate Kid; Columbia Pictures Innovative Thinking Forrest Gump; Paramount Pictures The Matrix; Warner Bros. Pictures Leadership 12 O’Clock High; 20th Century Fox Any Given Sunday; Warner Bros. Pictures Apollo 13; Universal Pictures Citizen Cane; RKO Radio Pictures Dangerous Minds; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Dead Poet’s Society; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Gladiator; Dreamworks Animation Jaws; Universal Pictures K-19; Paramount Pictures Lawrence of Arabia; Columbia Pictures Men in Black; Columbia Pictures Music of the Heart; Miramax Films Norma Rae; 20th Century Fox Out of Africa; Universal Pictures Pearl Harbor; (2001) Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Saving Private Ryan; Dreamworks Animation Stand and Deliver; Warner Bros. Pictures The Chronicles of Narnia: L, W & the W Walt Disney The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship; New Line Cinema The Sum of All Fears; Paramount Pictures To Kill a Mockingbird; Universal Pictures Wall Street; 20th Century Fox Marketing Big; 20th Century Fox Mistakes and/or Failure Cars; Walt Disney Motivation A Christmas Story; MGM Distributor Dead Poet’s Society; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Hoosiers; Orion Pictures Corporation (distributor) Monsters, Inc.; Pixar Animation Studios Mr. Holland’s Opus; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Rudy; TriStar Pictures Stand and Deliver; Warner Bros. Pictures Negotiation A Few Good Men; Columbia Anger Management; Columbia Bad Santa; Columbia Grosse Point Blank; Buena Vista Pictures Perseverance Behind Enemy Lines; 20th Century Fox Cast Away; 20th Century Fox The Empire Strikes Back; 20th Century Fox Presentation Techniques The Mirror Has Two Faces; Sony Pictures Entertainment Priorities, Truth, & Ethics Deep Impact; Paramount Pictures Groundhog Day; Columbia Hook; TriStar Pictures Meet Joe Black; Universal Pictures The Man in the Grey Flannel Suit; 20th Century Fox Problem-Solving Apollo 13; Universal Pictures Cast Away; 20th Century Fox The Chronicles of Narnia: L, W & the W Walt Disney The Firm; Paramount Pictures The Lord of the Rings: The Return of the King; New Line Cinema Risk City of Angels; Warner Bros. Pictures Sacrifice Men in Black; Columbia Pictures Sales Changing Lanes; Paramount Pictures Fletch; Universal Pictures GlenGary Glen Ross; New Line Cinema Shrek; Dreamworks Animation Teamwork Cars; Walt Disney Gladiator; Dreamworks Animation The Guardian; Touchstone Pictures The Lord of the Rings: The Fellowship; New Line Cinema Training Happy Gilmore; Universal Pictures Karate Kid; Columbia Pictures Trust A Walk to Remember; Warner Bros. Pictures Gods and Generals; Warner Bros. Pictures Pearl Harbor; Buena Vista Pictures (distributor) Stand and Deliver; Warner Bros. Pictures Titanic; Paramount Picturespoint. For licensing information, contact Erica Haupert at 800-462-8855.
collage of movie images

What are the best movies for a training event?

by Susan Landay on Apr 02 2011
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This question regarding the best movies for training was posted on both the ASTD National LinkedIN group and the Training & Development LinkedIN group. If you’re not a member of those groups, you many not be able to access the raw material, and if you are a group-member, you may still have found the discussion cumbersome to follow. Either way, you’re in luck. What follows is a synthesis of the favorite movies for a variety of training topics, as selected by our community of trainers. Change Management / Time Management / Motivation The Desk Set – dealing with change (1957 Tracy/Hepburn) Monkey Management – one of the best on Time Management Monsters Inc. – at the beginning when they collect the screams and it shows on the score-board, for starting a discussion on performance management and measurement. The World’s Fastest Indian – for motivation in sales training and following through on your dreams, thinking big, focus and creativity, at the end of the film people break into spontaneous clapping, leaves a whooping effect. What about Bob? — specifically, the segment on “baby steps“ Communication and Presentations The Mirror has Two Faces – when Jeff Bridges comes to Barbara Streisand’s lecture. To illustrate effective presentation techniques. AND the scene where mother Lauren Bacall and roommate daughter and NYU Professor Barbra Streisand have dinner together is an example of “bad” communication. Young Frankenstein with Gene Wilder for communication skills. “Who’s on First” sketch – for comedic play on words, illustrating the importance of deliberate communication and clarity. Caddyshack – kill the gophers (gophers) for communication. Dances With Wolves – Teepee scene where Sioux discover that Costner, a white man, is manning the outpost Customer Service Dharma & Greg – I think it was during the last season, in which Greg is trying to tell the Insurance company that they paid a claim twice. The company’s customer service tagline is “We Listen,” but, despite their best intentions, they really aren’t listening. It is a great way to illustrate that customer service isn’t just about the script, it is also about the behavior. What Women Want – (understanding your clients needs – Mel Gibson using all the products in the box) Breakfast At Tiffany’s – Holly and the gent are in Tiffany asking for the ring from a Cracker Jack box to be engraved. You’ll notice that the Tiffany’s staff never says NO, and he never makes them feel belittled. Diversity Anyone and Everyone for diversity concerning gay/lesbian. The Paperclip Project on ethnicity and culture. Mad Hot Ballroom for ethnicity, male/female, teacher/student. Tale of O is another classic for diversity. Remember the Titans – to reinforce healthy group dynamics and basing opinions on performance; not stereotypes or misconceptions. School of Rock – it shows how each one of us has different skills which can be used collectively to achieve something great. Effective Meetings What Women Want – Use the clip where Helen Hunt is introduced in the board room for the first time. She is very much in charge and it is extremely effective for this type of meeting/introduction. Big Business – clip from Your Show of Shows, to illustrate how not to run a meeting. 12 Angry Men – for Group Dynamics. Leadership & Teamwork I’ve highlighted the titles that seem to be repeated frequently. 300 12 O’Clock High for Leadership Principles. 12 Angry Men A Bug’s Life – teamwork/conflict A Few Good Men – for leadership, team building and integrity Antz Any Given Sunday – the language is a bit hectic but the leadership and motivation is awesome. In particular, see the scene with the locker room speech. Apollo 13 Armageddon Butch Cassidy and the Sundance Kid – Where Butch “fights” the really big guy for leadership of the group – resolving conflict…funny Cain Mutiny Coach Carter – for leadership training. Days of Thunder (scene where Tom Cruise first does some NASCAR racing and gets banged into a lot and he’s miffed and spouts off to Duvall, pit chief, who replies. “Rubbin’ is racing.” – for storming Phase of Team development. Dead Poets Society Defiance – is about the Jews who lived in the forest to escape the Nazis. One man emerges as a leader, even though he is not exactly sure he wants the role. Dirty Dozen Facing the Giants where the coach was having a troublesome team member and “leader” do a craw to the 50 yard line when he actually makes it across the entire field. Great to focus your leaders on what influence they really have. Gandhi, various scenes, for Leadership Principles (My favorite scene is the 1930 Salt Walk to the sea, to illustrate leading by example, and communicating by doing). Gladiator – leadership/team/trust Glory The Guardian Gung Ho – yes, the comedy with Michael Keaton Henry V – conflict, loyalty, motivation, stress mgt, leadership, and negotiation; Hoodwinked – is an excellent example of perception Hoosiers Invictus – excellent for leadership, conflict resolution, and influencing. It explores the life of Nelson Mandela and how he inspired the South African rugby team to win the world cup. Here’s a snippet: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=s7fcDOBt6eU Jaws, specifically the boat scene, can inspire discussion of Brodie’s range of leadership styles. Kung fu Panda The Last Castle with Robert Redford League of their Own – coaching/feedback – no crying in baseball segment Lord of the Rings – The first one where they’re arguing about who’s going to take the ring to be destroyed. Frodo steps up. We use it for stepping up to leadership…we are all volunteers. Master and Commander – to illustrate the concept of situational leadership and/or leadership traits. Memphis Belle – 19 year-olds are confronted by awful conditions in the war at a time when the stats for longevity of the average rear gunner in a B52 bomber was a couple of hours. Mr. Holland’s Opus (scene where red hair girl wants to quit clarinet and Holland just came to the realization that helping students’ lives is meaningful even though the opus is not yet written) – shared vision. One trainer writes: “It demonstrates all four of the Leadership Styles at various stages with individuals and the ‘team’ or orchestra. Favorite scenes include: Style 1 scene where he is teaching the boy how to play the drum and the Style 3 scene with the girl playing the clarinet. It’s also great to reinforce the concept of matching styles to development levels as they change with increased competence and commitment. Participants can also diagnose the development level of Richard Dreyfuss as a leader. Oceans 11 Patriot – scene where Mel Gibson addresses the Continental Congress as to why he does not want to go to war – another Shared Vision and Communication example Patton – opening speech is great for a Train the Trainer / Leadership program Platoon Remember the Titans – evolution and power of leadership, teamwork and creating change. (NOTE scene where the co-captains at summer practice at Gettysburg are in one anothers face during a break and tip over a table of gatorade; and NOTE scene where all players are woken up in the middle of the night for a run to the national cemetery of Gettysburg and Denzel Washington’s exhortation to the team. Saving Private Ryan Sister Act: the scene in which Woopie Goldberg is told she is now in charge of the choir shows coaching in action Scent of a Woman – leadership, communication, teamwork. U-571 White Squall, a Ridley Scott film with Jeff Bridges in the main role. Learning / Teaching Bambi – when the rabbit teaches Bambi to skate; for OJT coaching tips. I also use Jungle book when Baloo sings and teaches Mogli how to live in the jungle, for the same thing. Dead Poets Society – several snippets with Robin Williams using novel approaches with students. Karate Kid – for illustrating the four employee development levels. Management Styles Working Girl – with Sigorney Weaver who takes credit for her employee’s ideas, treats her like an underling, etc. Horrible Bosses – with Kevin Spacey Negotiation and Conflict Resolution Jerry McGuire – the “show me the money” scene with Tom Cruise/Cuba Gooding Jr. The Negotiator: a 1998 action thriller film directed by F. Gary Gray, starring Samuel L. Jackson and Kevin Spacey. Some great examples of attempts to negotiate in challenging circumstances. And the scene when Kevin Spacey tries to negotiate his wife out a locked bathroom. Glengarry Glen Ross (1992) – shows negotiation skills at work where insurance salespeople are forced to compete when they are given the news that all but the top two will be fired at the end of the week. Fifth Element (Bruce Willis) – link hereStardust (Ricky Gervais) The Internship – the sales negotiation at the end American President – The scene where Michael J Fox tells off the congressman who took away his support on the phone. Also the scene where Annette Benning plays hardball in the MTG and doesn’t realize the President is behind her Thank you for Smoking – I have used the intro scene from this movie in a workshop, it was fantastic. Very comical and has great points to take away. Captain Phillips — high drama, lots of negotiating and talking about strategy for tense negotiations Lincoln Erin Brocovich (about negotiations of all kinds) In Good Company – the scene towards the end plays a creative negotiation where the characters bluff through a negotiation Moneyball Draft Day Rainmaker Dog Day Afternoon Proof of Life — not the hit that was expected but its about a negotiator (Russell Crowe) trying get back a U. S. executive kidnapped in Colombia The Mouse that Roared Dr. Strangelove Civil Action with John Travolta. There are many scenes with great negotiation. The West Wing (TV) – almost any episode The Good Wife (TV) M*A*S*H (TV) Shark Tank (TV) Bridge over River Kwai – for discussions on higher authority, building rapport, use of silence Auction Hunters – (TV season 3 episode 23) One more Guardian – (TV season 1 episode 1) Lie to Me (TV first season) Sledge Hammer or 3rd Rock From The Sun (TV to show how NOT to negotiate!) Problem Solving & Decision Making Cast Away is great for creativity and problem solving–what would you have used the FedEx box contents for? 12 Angry Men – Eleven jurors are convinced that the defendant is guilty of murder. The twelfth has no doubt of his innocence. How can this one man steer the others toward the same conclusion? It’s a case of seemingly overwhelming evidence against a teenager accused of killing his father in “one of the best pictures ever made” The Missiles of October (1974) for decision-making and negotiation. Cast Away – getting the coconut open for perseverance Sales and Marketing Glen Garry Glen Ross Boiler Room – for telephone/communications/selling Other The Edge. That clip is powerful although one time I used it with a group and a woman who was involved with animal rights and welfare gave me a hard time! More Recommendations These books have also been recommended as good sources for movie recommendations: Reel Lessons in Leadership – Paperback (Apr. 5, 2006) by Ralph R. DiSibio Movies to Manage by: Lessons in Leadership from Great Films – Hardcover (Sept. 1999) by John K. Clemens and Melora Wolff 101 Movie Clips that Teach and Train – Paperback (June 3, 2007) by Becky Pike Pluth, Elizabeth Wheeler and Jody Majeres wingclips.com – site with lots more recommendations and a licensing purchase plan   To all who weighed in on our tagline . . . We did a poll of customers who stopped by the booth. Here’s how they voted on the tag lines: enliven learning! – 2 votes energize learning! – 35 votes liven up learnign! – 14 votes After this, we stopped asking . . . I think we’ve got to go with “energize” — our customers have spoken! –Sue
Learner's Bill of Rights, by Trainers Warehouse

Learners Bill of Rights

by Susan Landay on Apr 01 2011
Learners have rights too. Click here for a poster of the Learners Bill of Rights. I. Freedom of speech Free speech is granted as long as you don’t dominate the floor, physically harm, or rudely interrupt others. You also have the right to be heard, to assemble peaceably and petition for a redress of grievances. II. The right to bare arms Raising bare arms is appropriate for all who bathe regularly, when ready with a question or contribution. III. No imposition of unreasonable quarters This includes the right to be quartered in a well-heated, air-conditioned, and/or ventilated room. Further, none shall be forced to remain in classroom quarters during fire or bathroom emergencies. IV. No unreasonable searches and seizures While facilitators may search for a right answer, learners have the right to make mistakes. If one is unable to answer a question correctly, the instructor will not cause embarrassment. V. Exemption from self-incrimination If you didn’t do the assignment and can get away with it, good for you. But you may pay the price later! VI. The right to a speedy trial You have the right to try new things and put learning to use as quickly as possible either in classroom simulations or real-life situations. VII. The right to a jury of peers You are entitled to a classroom of peers who will not judge or jeer, but make you feel safe and supported when faced with new challenges. VIII. No cruel and unusual punishment Learners shall not be subjected to interminable lectures, excessive homework, nor ridicule and scorn by the instructor or fellow students. Poor attempts at humor, deemed painful to some, shall be exempt. IX. Equal treatment of all All should be treated respectfully regardless of age, hobbies, hair style or abundance, gender, skin type, religion, or attire. X. The right to have fun Learners have the right to laugh, play, and challenge anyone who pollutes the environment with negative energy.   © Trainer’s Warehouse 2019. For copies, please contact Trainers Warehouse at 800-299-3770 or www.trainerswarehouse.com
Pile of koosh balls

"Kooshball-ism"

by Susan Landay on Mar 22 2011
I must admit I was a bit taken aback when I read one trainer’s assertion that: “‘Kooshball-ism,’ as I like to refer to all the gizmos and tactics, which are espoused in the oh-so-many books and Trainers Warehouse catalogs, is so 1980’s-1990’s. Our profession has evolved dramatically since that era.” Really? I agree that our profession has evolved. However, I would contend that it has evolved in the direction quite contrary to that trainers assertion. I observe that brain research continues to support the importance of establishing stress-free, interactive learning environments. I think it’s important to remember that in the training and teaching community, we have many different types of trainers each of whom teach different topics to different types of groups. While some of the techniques that folks share with one another on Linked-IN may be more appealing to us than others, our job as trainers is to view the discussions as a brainstorm, from which we can isolate ideas that are most in keeping with our own style and group needs. We each need to filter it for ourselves. I don’t believe that there is a single best way to quiet a loud group, for instance — the “best” way depends on the facilitator, the group, the topic, the nature of the “noise,” etc. Trainers have a tricky line to walk. They must focus on professionalism and excellence, while making the experience of learning stress free and fun. A huge amount of brain research tells us that people learn more when they are relaxed, when all of their senses are engaged, and when their experience is emotional as well as intellectual — hence the effectiveness of training with stories, music, games and other playful devices. So, I would be careful not to throw out the baby with the bathwater. Playful training tools (whether that be a clapping technique or a Koosh ball) must be introduced and conducted with professionalism, purpose and respect.
open book graphic with icons popping out

Training should be fun - data explains why

by Susan Landay on Mar 07 2011
Some time ago, I accumulated evidence on why active learning is more effective. Here are some of the highlights: Games & Simulations “One must learn by doing the thing, for though you think you know it– you have no certainty until you try.” Sophocles, 5th c. B.C. Approximately 65% of 131 students surveyed stated that they prefer to play in teams; Only 37% gave high importance to competition with a clear winner. Sherry Robinson, Penn State Univ., Academy of Ed Leadership, Vol. 12, No. 1. Jacksonville, 2007 76% of students surveyed felt game rules need not be strictly followed. 37% gave high importance to competition with a clear winner. 47% preferred games with a mixture of skill and chance. Sherry Robinson, Penn State Univ., Academy of Ed Leadership, Vol. 12, No. 1. Jacksonville, 2007 “Setting time limits for game questions and team tasks creates a competitive spirit that motivates learner interaction with the topic. It’s a great way to bring fun and energy to your lesson plan.” Steve Sugar, The Game Group Recognition Don’t wait until the end of the session to congratulate learners. “Feedback has been shown to be one of the most significant activities a teacher can engage in to improve achievement.” Hattie, J., Spec. Ed. Conf., May 1992. Recognition improved performance by as much as 24%. In a field experiment, informal recognition increased performance of workers in the manufacturing setting by 24% (Stajkovic and Luthans, 2001 ). (more) Recognition improves performance 15%. A Meta-analysis of 19 reinforcement theory studies revealed an average effect of recognition on performance improvement of 15% (Stajkovic and Luthans, 1997 ). This was followed by a more comprehensive meta-analysis that examined 72 reinforcement theory studies in organizational settings that found an average effect size of social recognition on performance of 17% (Stajkovic and Luthans, 2003 ). … 70% say non-monetary recognition is the best motivator. A nationwide survey of US workers found that about 70% report that non-monetary forms of recognition provide the best motivation ( HR Focus, 1999). This same survey found that employees favor recognition from managers and supervisors by a margin of almost 2:1 over recognition from co-workers or other sources. (Nelson, 1994). ~ Fred Luthans and Alexander D. Stajkovic, “Provide Recognition for Performance Improvement.” Memory  “Allow students to consolidate their notes by pausing three times for two minutes each during a lecture. Students will learn significantly more information.” Ruhl, Hughes, and Schloss 1987 Students who used more imagery during learning displayed more creativity in their discussions, modeling and assessments. LeBoutillier & Marks, 2003; Sousa p. 231. Studies show that retention after 3 days is 10% from lecturing and 20% from demonstration. Sousa*, p. 95. Studies show that stories engage all parts of the brain because they touch on the learner’s experiences, feelings, and actions. Schank, 1990; Scott-Simmons, Barker, & Cherry, 2003; Sousa*, p. 145. You are more likely to keep students focused during lesson segments if you go off-task between the segments . Tony Buzan 1989; Sousa*, p. 93. During a learning episode, we remember best that which comes first, second best that which comes last, and least that which comes just past the middle. Gazzanniga et al., 2002; Terry, 2005; Sousa*, p. 89. (more on the Zeigarnik Effect) Practice does not make perfect. Practice makes permanent. If practice is stopped altogether, the neurons that are no longer being used are eventually assigned to other tasks and skill mastery will decline. In other words, use it or lose it! (Amunts et al., 1997) Sousa*, p. 97. Several studies have shown that listening to certain music can stimulate the parts of the brain that are responsible for memory recall and visual imagery. Nakamura et al., 1999; Sousa*, p. 224. In a study of surgeons, for example, background music enhanced their alertness and concentration. (Restak, 2003, Sousa*, p. 224). When we sit for more than 20 minutes, our blood pools in our seat and our feet. By getting up and moving, we recirculate that blood. Within a minute, there is about 15% more blood in our brain. We do think better on our feet! Sousa*, p. 34. Test performance improves if you prepare the brain. Try this mix: get learners up to exercise for 2 minutes; give them 2 oz. of fruit (fresh or dry); wash it down with 8 oz. of water to get sugar into the bloodstream and hydrate the brain. Then wait 5 minutes before testing. The energy effect lasts about 30 minutes. Sousa*, p. 35. “Chunking,” treating a set of data as a single item, is an effective way to enlarge the working memory’s capacity. Sousa*, p. 111. When asking a question, extend the wait time to 5 seconds or more to give everyone time to answer and improve the quality of responses. “Calling on the first hands to go up signals the slower retrievers to stop the retrieval process.” Mary Budd Rowe 1974; Sousa*, p. 129. Relieve stress and help people feel positive about their learning environment. It will release endorphins in the blood, which gives a feeling of euphoria and stimulates the frontal lobes. Sousa*, p. 84. Stress Eliminate stress and make learners feel welcome. Stress causes your body to release cortisol into the bloodstream, which destroys glucose, the brain’s only source of food.” (Tina Konstant, Teach Yourself Speed Reading Laughter reduces stress. Actually it reduces at least four of neuroendocrine hormones associated with stress response — epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone. Paul E. McGhee, PhD, Health, Healing and the Amuse System, 1999. www.LaughterRemedy.com Many doodle while on the phone or jingle pocket change. Invite your group to fidget in class. It helps all types of kinesthetic learners and improves everyone’s enthusiasm for learning. Jerry Evanski, Classroom Activators Belly laugh results in muscle relaxation. Laughter reduces at least four of euroendocrine hormones associated with stress response: epinephrine, cortisol, dopac, and growth hormone. Humor and Health, by Paul E. McGhee, PhD Student performance increases with the use of background music. Students remained on task longer and commented, “the music helps me concentrate, relax, and remember…” Anderson, Henke, et al. “Using Music to Enhance Memory and Improve Learning,” Saint Xavier Univ., 2000 Positive learning environments lead to endorphins in the blood, which gives a feeling of euphoria and stimulated the frontal lobes. Sousa*, p. 84 Participation 90.9% of the students surveyed either “Agreed” or “Strongly Agreed” that Audience Response systems improved engagement and participation; 81.8% said it increased their attention span and helped them learn more effectively. Caldonian Business School, UK, Andy Sharp and Angela Sutherland Give everyone time to answer. “Calling on the first hands to go up signals the slower retrievers to stop the retrieval process.” (Mary Budd Rowe 1974; Sousa*, p. 129) * Sousa references are drawn from David A. Sousa’s How the Brain Learns, Third edition, Corwin Press, Thousand Oaks, CA 2006. https://blog.trainerswarehouse.com/training-should-be-fun-data-points-explain-why/
Black pen held in a circle of hands.

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