Breaking the Ice

Abstract

The use of activities such as ice-breakers has traditionally been associated with formal training seminars. This workshop highlighted the versatility of icebreakers and how they reliably enhance student interest, participation and learning in any teaching scenario. A number of creative interventions in the form of interactive group mixers, warm-ups, energisers and playful activities were demonstrated for lecturers to utilise in their teaching. The roles of the facilitator as catalyst, coach and observer were visited in terms of ensuring that social interactions and transfer of information to participants remain interesting, enjoyable and, most of all, fun for university students.