It is customary, at lunchtime educational programs, to serve lunch before getting into the educational content. Yet at a recent presentation, the catering service was late in arriving. I began the program at the appointed time and got 15 minutes into the training before the food arrived and I announced a brief intermission to allow participants to fill their plates and begin eating.
I noticed that many of the participants were using the intermission to discuss the material already presented. It seemed like those not speaking about the topic were still turning it over in their minds as they ate. When class resumed, participants were more energized and into the topic than when the program began.
With lunch first, many participants are dozing half way through the lunch hour. Postponing the food kept them alert through the end of the session.
I might try schedule again, even if I get some grumbling from hungry bellies.
I noticed that many of the participants were using the intermission to discuss the material already presented. It seemed like those not speaking about the topic were still turning it over in their minds as they ate. When class resumed, participants were more energized and into the topic than when the program began.
With lunch first, many participants are dozing half way through the lunch hour. Postponing the food kept them alert through the end of the session.
I might try schedule again, even if I get some grumbling from hungry bellies.