Filler exercises are small exercises which do not consume a lot of time.
Time management is one of the essential skills of a trainer. Beginning the session on time and closing the session exactly on the time mentioned in the curriculum speaks a lot about the professionalism of a trainer. Under no circumstances, this discipline can be compensated.
“ Just two minutes… I wanted to add one important point..” A trainer tells the other trainer and goes for about 5 – 10 minutes. This reflects on the poor time management skills of a trainer.
At times a presentation, or a session or role play with debriefing etc. gets closed ahead of the time.
Fillers are used to overcome all the aforesaid situations.
EXAMPLE
Trainer asks the trainees to do the following exercise
INSTRUCTION : Write the following in numbers.
“ Twelve thousand twelve hundred and twenty two”
Example:
Forty = 40
Thirty four= 34
Two hundred and two = 202.
TIME: 3 minutes
( Exercise along with Instructions can be displayed on the slide/written on white/black board/or given in separate paper.)
After three minutes, trainer collects answers from all. And writes the correct answer as follows on the board/ or displays on the screen:
12,000
1,200
22
TOTAL 13,222
The above exercise can be done on any day when 5-6 minutes’ time is available.
It can also be done on the day while giving a presentation on the topic of ‘Importance of Lateral thinking to break /manage/handle Impasse’.
Relating to the exercise
Why did many fail to get the correct answer?
Because of the examples given along with the problem.
i.e. Forty = 40, Thirty four= 34, Two hundred and two = 202, Forty = 40
Going by the examples everyone thought the problem “Twelve thousand twelve hundred and twenty two” should also have an answer beginning with twelve.
Many adopted this approach and got incorrect answers.
Human beings are, by and large, tuned to solve problems appearing to be similar to the ones they had met with, in the same manner in which they had solved earlier.
Only some adopted a different approach and got the correct answer as 13,222.
This different approach is lateral thinking.
“When direct approach to the problem does not yield any results, try to approach the problem from the side, at divergent angles, without concentrating on one approach at length and ending in failing.’’
Practical example
Suit for partition of a single house situated at Bangalore, between two brothers, which could not be divided by metes and bounds. Both did not want to sell the house to each other or to any one else. There was an impasse situation.
Elder brother’s wife had a site in Madras. Younger brother’s son was settled in Madras, and was looking for a site. Elder brother’s wife gifted this site property to her brother-in law’s son. Younger brother relinquished his right/half share in the suit schedule house in favor of his elder brother.
Advantage of fillers
- Exercise can be given any time before, and the same can be linked to the topic while dealing with the topic.
- While doing the exercise the trainees will enjoy the fun point.
- While connecting the exercise to the concept, they understand the concept very well.
Filler exercise should have the following three elements:
- Fun part
- Theoretical importance
- Innovation
“ Innovation is taking two things that exist and putting them together in a new way”
Tom Freston
Co-founder of MTV
Training of Trainers in Mediation 
The importance and use of Filler excercises very well explained. Thank you.
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Filler exercises are interesting and keep the participants engaged. It’s the third dimension. Thank you madam
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The best way utilising spare time during trainings, is use of Fillers. Scores of short exercises , fillers, also add to bring in a change from monotomy , keeps them engaged & creates interest in participation..Thank you Susheela ji. These are crucial learning tips shared by you.
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