Problem Hat

From Peacebuilding

Evaluation Activity: Problem Hat

Contents 1 Aim: 2 Time: 3 Participants: 4 Materials: 5 Procedure: 6 Source:

Aim:

To discuss problems participants may face during the workshop in an anonymous and constructive way

Time:

At least 15-20 minutes, depending on the size of the group

Participants:

Any number

Materials:

• A hat

• Sheets of papers

• Pencils

Procedure:

I) Before the workshop, prepare one sheet of paper for each participant. On each sheet write:

I have difficulty with…

II) During the workshop, give all the participants a sheet of paper and ask them to write about a particular problem they’re having by completing the sentence. The problem should be related to the workshop (e.g. the facilitator, group, facility, activities, etc.). Ask participants not to mention any names, but to describe the problems in general. Those who think they don’t have any problems can leave the sheet blank.

III) Ask participants to fold their sheets, and collect all the sheets in a hat.

IV) Once all the sheets are collected, go around and ask each participant to take one paper. If they draw their own, ask them to put it back and pick another.

V) After a few minutes of reflection, ask a volunteer to read the problem aloud and briefly offer a suggestion on how the writer could deal with the problem. If the problem is related to the facilitation or organisation of the workshop, note it down and take the necessary steps to solve it.

VI) Continue around the circle, making sure everyone just listens and does not comment on suggestions.

Source:

Fast, Larissa, Neufeldt, Reina, Peacebuilding: A Caritas Training Manual, Vatican City: Caritas Internationalis, 2002, p. 213. Originally adapted from Brandes and Phillips in Pretty, Jules N., Irene Guijt, John Thompson and Ian Scoones, Participatory Learning and Action: A Trainer’s Guide, London: International Institute for Environmental Development Participatory Methodology Series, 1995, p. 216.