Icebreaker Tutor Notes
‘Who are we – really?’ is the icebreaker to get learners started on the course and to facilitate their joining groups.
Learners click on the ‘Who are we – really?’ link in the Overview section and start ‘Dr Twaddle’s psychometric test’ by choosing the answers that best match what they think. At the end of the test they click the ‘submit’ button to receive a fictional and randomly selected ‘character analysis’. The four character types will be evenly distributed among the groups.
The icebreaker is ideally suited for class sizes of 24 to 40 learners, with 6 to 10 in each of the four groups. If you have significantly more or fewer than this, you will either have to manage the forum groups, adapt the icebreaker, or choose a different icebreaker. There is flexibility in managing the forum groups. This may entail making more than one forum group for each category if you have significantly more learners. If you have a smaller number, you can merge the categories. For example, ask the Jupiters and Saturns to join another fictional forum group.
The tutor makes the first posting in each forum to get it started. Comment on the ‘character types’ and how they relate to the major players in employment relations. Follow the discussion in the forum.
Character types:
Jupiter
You have an interesting choice in animals. Your attitude to work means you will make a fascinating colleague. There is an inconsistency to your responses that indicates potential growth. Your social responses indicate a personality type that is conducive to positions of power and responsibility in a forward-looking organisation. Your time management and organisation skills would profit from a two-week leadership course at a desirable international venue.
Saturn
You are well suited to your job. Your responses show an interesting attitude to work that will challenge and inspire your employer. Your social responses indicate a personality type that is conducive to employment within a forward-looking organisation. You will need to choose this position carefully as the compatibility of your colleagues is important. Your choice in animals could do with some reflection. We advise you to regularly purchase lottery tickets to improve your situation.
Mercury
You would benefit from a change of career. Your potential contributions to employment relationships are boundless. Both employers and employees will be mesmerised by your skills and wisdom and you may well save the human race from extinction. You may need to change your choice in office space and animals.
Uranus
Your answers reflect your suitability for a highly-placed position within a forward thinking organisation. You would benefit from generous professional development and holidays. Your attitude towards confidentiality and a fair day’s work will provide an exciting challenge for the organisation. You may lead the establishment of a new dawn in national employment relations. Think seriously about your choice in animals before approaching the media.
The learners will read what you have posted and introduce themselves to the group by making a new posting based on the questions posed in the forum. Read their postings and reply to them. Try to make sure any ‘lurkers’ are included.
You may need to rebalance the groups by asking some learners to join other groups if they get too unbalanced. Think about how you do that, so everyone gets introduced and feels included.
Give a timeline to finish this activity.
Enjoy!
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