Appendix B
Training Method #7: Creative Work
Although some people believe that using the arts in training is unprofessional and not appropriate, others have found that this approach is well-received by many audiences. These training activities give participants an opportunity to think or act outside the box. Examples of creative activities include:
- Making a collage. For example, making a collage of ways you received support when you were faced with an infant death.
- Drawing or painting with markers, water colors, chalk, or colored pencils. For example, painting a picture of what fear of recurrence looks like.
- Modeling with clay. For example, making a sculpture of a baby.
- Composing songs, poems, stories or plays. For example, writing a play about expectant mothers who changed their behavior related to smoking tobacco while pregnant.
Uses
- Encourages participants to engage the right brain (creative, non-linear part), especially important after a left brain training method.
- Explores other ways to think about familiar situations.
- Enables participants to explore emotionally-laden topics in a safe way.
- Encourages people to move beyond their comfort zone.
Advantages
- Gives participants an opportunity to have fun while dealing with emotionally-laden issues.
- Allows participants to move around, which is especially good for kinesthetic participants.
- Provides a creative way of dealing with sensitive issues.
- Fosters interaction and emotional connections among participants.
Disadvantages
- Requires additional space and materials.
- Intimidates participants who feel shy about artistic endeavors. However, don’t assume that your audience won’t respond well to this technique. You might try out the idea with a few people who are demographically matched to your potential participants before your training session.
- Might cause participants who are used to linear thinking and came to the training to get new information to question the usefulness of this approach.
