Icebreaker

Icebreaker

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Term2.png ICEBREAKER
Also referred to as opener, icebreaker is a short activity or game designed to help participants, particularly strangers, of a learning or training event to overcome initial anxiety. It is a facilitation exercise intended to help participants to know one another and to begin the process of forming themselves into a team. It can be either a fun activity or one tied to specific topics or training goals. [1]


Toolkit.png Using Icebreakers

Functions of Icebreakers

Openers/Icebreakers contribute four basic functions to a group:

  • Individual development - by encouraging alternatives, coping mechanisms and thinking.
  • Team building - bonding through the completion of a task.
  • Networking while becoming acquainted.
  • Icebreaking - reducing tension and breaking the link with the workplace by focusing the learners'attention in the classroom.

Basic Types of Icebreakers

  • Openers/Icebreakers that get people talking to each other, better communicate.
  • Openers/Icebreakers that generate familiarity and cooperation through problem solving and successful task completion.
  • Openers/Icebreakers that introduce concepts upon which the course will dwell in greater depth. [2]

Job Aid

Pdf.png Using Icebreakers


Link icon.png Web Resources
Below you have a list of selected websites where you can find some interesting examples of icebreakers:
Link Content
www.kstoolkit.org A very simple activity to replace the boring round of table of self-introductions at the beginning of an international workshop: Ball around the world.
www.wilderdom.com Several examples of icebreakers descriptions and websites.
www.unssc.org UNICEF - Games and Exercices, section I and II have several examples of icebreakers.
www.km4dev.org A compilation page of icebreakers suggestions in a wiki on the KM4dev site.


MATERIAL.png Additional Materials

Pdf.png Openers - Icebreakers by Bob Pike

Pdf.png Icebreakers and Teambuilding Exercices by P. Smith


References

  1. ↑ E-Learning Solutions on a Shoestring, Jane Bozarth, 2005, www.thefreedictionary.com (29 July 2008), encarta.msn.com (29 July 2008), en.wikipedia.org (29 July 2008);
  2. ↑ 50 Creative Training Openers and Energizers, Bob Pike and Lynn Solem, 2000, (27 October 2008);
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