Expectations, Worries and Ground Rules

From Peacebuilding

Contents 1 Opener – Expectations, Worries and Ground Rules 2 Aims: 3 Time: 4 Participants: 5 Materials: 6 Procedure: 7 Debriefing: 8 Note:

Opener – Expectations, Worries and Ground Rules

Aims:

• To explore participants’ expectations and worries about a workshop

• To develop ground rules for the training session together

Time:

15-40 minutes

Participants:

Any number

Materials:

• Prepared flip charts (see step I of the procedure below)

• Markers

• Masking tape

Procedure:

I) Before the workshop, prepare three flip charts. On the first write at the top “What do you expect from this workshop?”, on the second write “What worries do you have about this workshop?” and on the third write “What are the ground rules we should all follow to make the most of our experience during this workshop?” Hang these charts on the wall before the beginning of the workshop.

II) Divide the plenary into groups of 5-6 people. Tell them to develop three points for each question. Assign 10 minutes for group work.

III) Return to the plenary and have each group present its three points for each question. Write them down on the flip charts. Make sure there are no repetitions, and combine similar points.

IV) Read the results out loud. Clarify which expectations can be met, and which cannot. Consider any worries. Announce that everyone will be asked to respect the ground rules identified on the third flip chart.

Debriefing:

Not necessary

Note:

Writing on flip charts provides a visible reminder of what participants hope to gain from the training session. This can help focus the training, and gives participants a baseline from which to evaluate the training once it’s over.