All that pops into my mind is have everyone or some of them bring a dessert, or chips. That will keep them busy for a while. If there is free time your trying to kill try some word games. Just a thought.

Food and brief chatter as people gather is a good idea, but I would resent any games, etc. Get the job done well and let everyone go home!

I'm with Sheila--unless the group has especially requested 'entertainment', I'd stick to business. If I have to put in a couple of extra hours at the end of a long workday, I want them to be productive and focused so I can get done and get home to my family, home, chores, etc. I'd be a little insulted and feel as if I was being treated like a child if there was an emphasis on games and other diversions.

Look--you probably should check with the people in the group. A lot LIKE to have games and other distractions, others may feel as Sheila and I do. Be guided by the people you'll be working with.

If this is directly after work, like 5-7 or 6-8, I agree with a snack/light supper. Very few people can discuss anything after working all day. Is this once a week? How long? Meeting where? someone's home/work? Any one with children or other people that they have to get supper for?
Is the book for each the same?
I would treat it just like any other class. If you are there just to provide entertainment--waste of everyone's time. Exactly what is the purpose to do this--Certification of what?
Again to me sounds like a waste of my time if I am not learning something.

One of the best, most interactive meetings I have lead involved giving adults pipe cleaners and play dough to play with during the training. If there are any tactila (I am very tactile) learners, they will thrive with something new to do with their hands while they study.

If I have to spend an additional two hours after work, I sure as hell don't want to spend it playing word games!

If there are any tactile exercises make sure they are to the point, and useful to the topic/subject under instruction.

No one has suggested it, but I will also suggest you refrain from long introductory speeches which contain jokes. It's a study group - just lay out the parameters to be addressed, and start.

You do want to keep them engaged. I don't think you need to keep them entertained.

Just because you have to lead it doesn't mean you have to plan every second. I'd say get the others involved. Each person or a team of people could be assigned a certain amount of time or a topic. I can't imagine that you'd have to do it all but since I'm not sure what you are doing, you may be the only expert. Since it is a study group, you could put together a type of quiz to check their skills. That would give you an idea of what they need to spend time on.

I'm not sure that we can help you with activities without knowing what kind of certification. But if I saw a bunch of pipe cleaners and play-doh on the table, I think I would grab my coat and run! lol

The study group is to work towards a certification in kitchen and bath design. There is alot of information to cover from building construction, product knowledge, design and safety, presentation drawings, business management etc. I spoke to the National instructor and she suggested that each participant be responsible to either create a review or quiz for a portion of the required reading. This way each person is responsible to the group and also changes the perspective of processing the information from self serving to teaching others what they learned. She said that after a fashion the group will lead itself. My concern is that if the group requires more leadership how can we cover the material without simply reviewing the material verbatim (lecturing).
I think that keeping people engaged and interested is important to them learning what they need to pass the exam.

May I make one suggestion that has nothing to do with certification, nor the question you actually asked?

PLEASE impress upon the attendees the importance of LISTENING to the consumer as well as CREATIVE PROBLEM SOLVING? It may not play into the certification process, but if you're going to take time out for entertainment, at least spend 5 minutes on how important it is to design a kitchen that's right for each consumer.

Let me tell you my experience--we had an old (early 50's if not earlier) kitchen--complete the double drainboard/double sink and only 15" of useable counterspace, and not nearly enough storage. 20 years ago, when we decided to redo it, I went to several kitchen design places and home centers. I knew what would work efficiently for my kitchen needs, as a home ec teacher who had also helped redesign a large classroom kitchen, I was familiar with a lot of the principles involved. NOT ONE designer would listen to me. They all just tried to push their own ideas. In the end, they all lost out--we opted to use MY design, and were our own general contractors. The kitchen is amazing--2 decades later, I wouldn't change a thing in it. I've had dozens and dozens of compliments over the years about how great it is to work in. It was one of the big attractions that helped sell our house quickly when we listed this winter. I will be sad to leave 'my' kitchen behind when we move.

The principles of kitchen design are important, but they mean nothing if the designer cannot customize a plan that will work for the customer. Oh, I should probably mention that my design? I have 10.5 feet of counter space--in the same kitchen that used to have only 15" and loads more storage.

Your goal is to get these people certified and that involves the facts, figures, principles, rules, etc--but I'd love it if you could at least mention the importance of the human factor.

Thanks--I only posted this because I was SO frustrated that NO ONE was willing to put aside the so-called kitchen planning 'principles' to help me design the right kitchen for me.

Azzalea- your complaint is not uncommon in this industry. The range of experience and service provided by individual cabinet dealers or kitchen design firms is vast. I have also heard the same about architects and interior designers, but then again I have also heard the same complaint about doctors and car mechanics. Listening is an important skill for anyone. As a professional it is essential that we hear out clients needs and work to solve the problems and address their concerns in a functional and artistic manner.

There are designers who care about providing the best design and product that suits a clients need. It is unfortunate that you had a poor experience, but I am glad that you were able to accomplish the project as you dreamed.

On another note- I am not sure why everyone have latched on to the word entertained, but I meant that people should be engaged and not bored. Not that I was going to be cracking jokes.

To keep the study group fun, serve lots of booze!

On a more serious note, food is usually a winner. Have a snack, study your material and let everyone go home. You could have a drawing for a door prize. People usually like a little useful surprise.

I bet lots of folks would sign up if I served wine and cheese!

Perhaps ask this question over at the Kitchen forum. There are a few kitchen designers that follow the posts and lots of other great people there. You might be surprised the fedback you'll get.

You could title your post OT: Kitchen/Bath design study group advice needed. (OT stands for off-topic)

And yes, wine and cheese can work wonders. :-)

Jodi-

Here is a link that might be useful: Kitchen Forum

I agree, post this to the Kitchen Forum, which does have people who are more informed of the subject. Thanks for clarifying your request.

The design expert is a member of a team - and the most important member of the team should be ...

... the homeowner (of the kind that's going to do the work in it).

Encourage folks to make a wry comment about what's going on, occsionally - it lightens the atmosphere somewhat, everyone chuckles a bit and the meeting goes better.

ole joyful

A group such as yours are aquainted, but that is as far as it goes. I have found that starting off with a little competitive socializing is helpful. Alot 1/2 hour for board games such as Pictionary, Apples to Apples, etc. This gives folks a chance to unwind from the work day. Personality quirks you never suspected emerge.

After a "play" session, the group will settle into the class work and achieve at a greater rate.

If the group finds the 1/2 hour is not enough, suggest they come earlier. When the play session becomes fun, you'll have no problem getting class members to attend.