Facts

Introduction

How it Links to Adult Learning Theories

Types of Icebreakers

Ice Breaker Examples/ Resource Tool

Ice Breaker Activity

References

Facilitating Introductions
“Ice breakers can be used to create familiarity within the group and ease everyone into the group process. The desired end result is a more open discussion forum and pleasing environment within the group in which the group process can continue.” (University of Illinois Springfield).

Prior Knowledge Assessment
Provides a “pedagogical advantage of using ice breakers is that they provide the instructor an opportunity to assess student prior knowledge” (University of Illinois Springfield).

By choosing an ice breaker that exposes the learner’s previous experiences and having them share it with the group, it “connect[s] elements of these learning experiences with various aspects of Knowles’ theory [1968]" (Washburn).

Using Kolb's Learning Inventory (1984) helps instructors to identify the various learning styles present within the class and allow the learners to get to know each other. In doing so, it gives the instructor “a deeper understanding of each individual in your training room and hence dramatically increase the quality of the results that are derived from your training” (Fuggle, 2010).

Through Maslow's Hierarchy of Needs (1943) ice breakers can give the learners a sense of security as to knowing who their classmates are and in extension appeals to their sense of belonging within the group. “It can begin to move learners along the continuum towards esteem, and their need to feel valued, and finally, self-actualization, which identifies our inherent need and desire to learn and grow” (Dirkes, 2014).

Pratt Developmental Perspective states “teachers need to know how their learners are ‘programmed,’ that is, how they think and what they believe in relation to the content or work. With that information teachers try to build bridges from the learners’ way of thinking to better, more complex and sophisticated ways of thinking and reasoning“ (Pratt, 2002).

Environment Creation / Fostering Group Unity
The chosen format and delivery of an ice breaker “can also be designed to encourage a break down of status/race/gender/etc. barriers that may pre-exist in the group” (University of Illinois Springfield). Therefore, creating an inclusive environment where the learners feel comfortable to participate in.

Topic Segues
Ice breakers can be created to warm up and link learners to new topics being introduced. “These are also particularly useful when the members of the group already know each other” (University of Illinois Springfield).

Preparation of Participants
At the beginning of a course, some introduction is needed for the instructor to get to know their learners and for the learners to get to know each other as well. This can be easily done in an in-person environment, however it becomes more of a necessity with online learners (University of Illinois Springfield).