| Purpose: | - To have participants researching the content;
- To have participants introducing the content to the plenary.
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| Time: | Depending on the content to be processed. |
| Participants: | Any number. It might be difficult with more than 30-40 participants for presentations in plenary. |
| Materials: | - Handouts prepared in advance by the facilitator with questions for participants to research on the topic;
- Visual aids, as participants might require and prepare for their presentations;
- Flip chart papers;
- Markers.
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| Process: | I) Before the workshop, formulate the basic questions for learning on the topic you wish to introduce. Develop clusters of questions for different areas of the content you would like participants to explore. Write a handout with questions for each cluster.
II) Get the list of participants and divide them into as many group as the clusters of questions you have prepared.
III) Get in touch with participants and tell them their task. You have assigned to each person some questions to answer; you are sending them a handout with questions. Their task is to study and research in order to provide answers to the questions. Tell each participant that there are other participants that will be working on the same questions and provide contact details in case they wish to get in touch before the workshop. Tell them that – together with other participants who will have worked on the same questions, they will be asked to develop a presentation during the workshop.
Example: You are designing a workshop on “introducing nonviolence”. You have prepared these sets of questions:
1st set
- What are the nature and origins of nonviolence?
- What constitutes nonviolence and what doesn’t?
- Can you make a few examples of nonviolence?
2nd set
- From what does a political authority get its power?
- Where does power come from?
- What does have Gene Sharp to say on power?
3rd set
- Can you make 10 examples in history of violent struggles?
- Can you make 5 examples in history of nonviolent struggles?
- Which of the above 2 questions is easier? Why?
4th set
- What are the methods of nonviolent action?
- What importance does strategy have for nonviolent action?
V) During the workshop divide the plenary in groups, making sure you associate people who have worked on the same set of questions. Ask them to prepare a presentation on the base of their findings to the plenary. Make available flip chart pages or other visual aids for each group. Allow sufficient time.
VI) Have each group making their presentation in different moments of the agenda. Stimulate discussion following the presentations. |
| Note: | This activity should be used carefully, minding its risks and limitations.
- As a facilitator, here you have little control over the research of participants and presentations of groups. You have little control over the content. You may end up with confusing bits of information that will not help participants to understand and learn. Thus, it may be advisable to use this activity when you have a reasonable expectation that participants are fit for the task.
- In order for participants to answer the questions, they should have the chance to research. That means an internet connection, or access to a library where they can find the resources they need. Don’t leave them blank, don’t leave participants without a cue on where to find the information.
- Alternatively, you may choose to prepare handouts with pieces of content where they can find the answers for their questions. In this case, they would have to study the content you provide them and answer the questions.
- Another limitation arises from the possibility you have to get in touch and exchange with participants before the training. If this is not possible, this activity is not possible.
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