Version User Scope of changes
Jan 2 2009, 4:22 AM EST (current) mikicesari 402 words added
Jan 2 2009, 4:18 AM EST mikicesari

Changes

Key:  Additions   Deletions
Purpose:
  • To stimulate participants generate questions on the topic under discussion;
  • To process content in a participative manner.
Time:At least 20 minutes.
Participants: Any number.
Materials:
  • Flip chart papers;
  • Markers;
  • Index cards and pencils.
Process:I) Introduce the content in a few short sentences. Do not elaborate, this is just to let participants focus on the topic of the session.

Example. Your introduction in a negotiation training can go like this: Negotiation is an essential component of your life. Weather you deal with your spouse over issues of common concern, you discuss with your children over were to go on holidays, you bargain at the fruit market for a kilogram of beans - you are always negotiating. You negotiate also when you ask for a salary raise to your boss and when you are trying to settle a dispute with your neighbour. Guerrilla leaders are negotiating when they sit at the table with representatives of the State. So does a community leader that is discussing with an international NGO over what to do in his community – and the NGO representative too is negotiating. It is how you do it that can make a difference.

II) Distribute index cards and a pencils to participants. Ask them to reflect on your short introduction and generate a list of questions that they would like to be answered during the workshop. Allow sufficient time.

III) Then ask participants to highlight the three questions that they consider most important. Allow two minutes

IV) Collect the index cards and make sure the questions are discussed and answered throughout the workshop.
Note: There are several ways to go with the IV step of the process. Here are some:

  • Read the highlighted questions in the index cards and provide answers. In this case you would be something different than a facilitator, acting as an expert on the topic. Alternatively, you can invite an expert in the subject matter and have her interviewed by participants.
  • Redistribute the cards to participants and ask a volunteer to read one question. Generate discussion in the plenary. Repeat the procedure with other questions.
  • Write the questions down on a flip chart paper and consider these as participants’ expectations for the workshop. Design/adapt the rest of the workshop to discuss/answer these questions.
  • Divide the plenary into small teams and distribute index cards with questions to different teams. Have the teams answering the questions.