Does anyone have experience of using puppets in adult learning? In particular for communication skills? If so, I would be interested to know the pros and cons of the experience and the names of any organisations offering this.
Many thanks.
Sharon Taylor
2 Responses
Puppets in training!
Sharon
It is great to see interest in more creative and less traditional methods. Before eveyone thinks you (and I) are barking, I should point out that that puppets can be used extremely effectively. The master of this art in my view is Marshall Rosenberg (try http://www.cnvc.org for more info).
The use of puppets is one of those ‘heineken’ techniques – it can reach the parts that other methods cannot reach. Usec badly, particularly in a child-like way, can be counter-productive and reinforces the prejudice sometimes evident against less business focussed techniques. However, used not only with artistry but with a strongly mature focus on real communications issues, it is possible for the puppets to talk about things that people find difficult. It is also possible to create interesting and dynamic scenarios pretty quickly.
I hope this helps!
Graham
Puppets by Post
I have found a website that might interest you. It is:
puppetsbypost.com