Does It Matter Which Of These You Played With?

As I looked over my audience, I saw a range of ages represented. Some were young, with eager, unlined faces while others had salt and pepper hair and smile lines. I love a diverse audience, but I also know that these generational differences can impact their learning and application of content, especially if we are working in teams.
 
Taking an idea from Jennifer Abrams, author of The Multi-Generational Work Force,
I decided to weave a new activity into my typical content. I hung color-coded ABC signs in four corners of the presentation room. Then I created a few slides containing multiple-choice items, such as the following:
 

I asked everyone to stand, and answer the question by moving to that spot in the room (A, B, or C.) Once they were gathered under the signs and had a moment to chat about their answer, I asked them to notice where their co-workers were standing. We did the same for a handful of questions, with lots of laughter and fond memories shared.
 
I then asked them to return to their seats and discuss how they felt generational differences might influence their work. Participants talked in small groups before we shared as a whole group, identifying possible implications. You might consider creating a table like the one I created, with your content or topic in place of Professional Learning Implications..
 
Because generational differences can impact every new learning, no matter the topic, I am planning on adding this to many of my future training sessions.
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