Ice+Breaker

Ice breakers can be helpful instruments in professional development. There are many activities that can help people develop community and get to know one another. However, they can also be a time whole. Time is precious, and we need to maximize learning time. So you should always consider these things when are thinking about using an ice breaker:

1) Do the people already know each other- if so, no need to introduce them. 2) It is essential for you to know know your participants names. But this can be solved with name cards. 3) Does the ice breaking activity connect to your learning outcomes- ice breaking activities that do this are superior choices. 4) Community is important, but it always best to develop that through learning connected core outcomes rather than outside of these.

Here are some example ice breakers:

http://www.bssc.edu.au/public/learning_teaching/tutor/files/try_these_icebreakers.pdf

http://www.reproline.jhu.edu/english/5tools/5icebreak/icebreak2.htm

http://www.teampedia.net/wiki/index.php?title=Main_Page