Small groups generate discussion and ideas
and help develop strategies for action. Assign
people to small groups by calling letters,
numbers, fruits or animals. Ask the same
letters (numbers, fruits or animals) to work
together. So if you want three groups, call As,
Bs and Cs (or apples, oranges and ears). All
As work together and so on.
Fish bowl is a seating arrangement where
half the group sits in a circle and works
together on something. The other half sit
outside this circle, observing the inner
circle. The fish bowl is useful for listening,
resolving conflict, discussion, observation and
supervision exercises. Some people might
find this a threatening seat formation. It
should be used carefully and with groups who
are ready for this method.
Large group discussions are useful for
holding general discussion, airing views,
giving information, seeking proposals,
agreeing plans, generating energy, building
trust and exploring expectations/hopes.
Encourage maximum participation. Make sure
everyone has an opportunity to contribute.
The facilitator should not spend too much
time in this formation, as attention spans are
short in this setting.
Plenary sessions are when the full group
hears what went on in smaller groups or when
information is imparted or an input given by
the facilitator/speaker on an issue. This gives
a sense of what is happening in the overall
group. Each small group has a reporter and
recorder who outline the conclusions of
the group within an agreed time limit. The
facilitator ensures that everyone can hear
and see what is going on. Plenary session
formation can allow the facilitator to lead into
a large group discussion. This method is most
useful as a reporting back method.
Simulation exercises are where people
complete a task and then discuss how they did
it, how they worked, what went well, what they
need to improve. An observer may be used
to provide an ‘objective’ perspective on what
happened in the simulation. A facilitator can
design a specific simulation exercise, or use
available pre-designed exercises. The purpose
of simulation is to have a common group
experience which is then analysed according to
the developmental needs of the group.
A team-building exercise may be used, such
as pretending to be the last five people on
earth faced with room for only two people in
the last spaceship heading for safety before the
planet explodes. The group simulates coming
to a decision about who gets to go in the ship.
Looking at how people operate together and
separately when completing a team exercise
can be informative and fun.
Case study is where the facilitator brings in the
details of a real situation and asks the group
members to address their inquiry towards
the dilemma outlined in the case study. This
is a very useful method for getting people
to concentrate the focus on a real situation.
The facilitator needs to ensure no details are
included that would identify any person or
groups, as these form part of the confidentially
that is to be maintained at all time.
Role play is where people act out a situation.
When the ‘drama’ is over, the main person
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