| Aim | The aim of this activity is to have participants reflect and share on how one concept, even though it is used daily and commonly recognised, can be perceived in many different ways. |
| Trainee profile | Any. People with special needs can participate as long as they are able to express themselves. |
| Learning Objectives | Reflecting on the core elements of an abstract concept
To understand how different people may identify different core elements of the same concept To foster active listening To build critical thinking To train our flexibility in accepting and appreciating different perspectives |
| n° participants | At least 8. Ideally an even number up to 16.
If the number is odd, you may adapt to the number of people in the groups. |
| Duration | 40 minutes |
| Materials | Flipchart or board, sheets of paper and pens for all participants, chairs. |
| Preparation | Place the flipchart so that all participants can see it. |
| Implementation | 1. Give all participants a pen and a sheet of paper.
2. Write down the word COMMUNITY, or the word TOLERANCE, on the top of the flipchart. 3. Tell the participants they have 4-5 minutes to individually (and silently) identify and write down 5 words that belong to the selected concept. You may give examples: in relation to COMMUNITY, some examples are “active listening”, “collaboration”, “growth”, “inclusion”, and so forth. 4. Ask the participants to pair up with somebody. When all pairs are formed, tell participants they must discuss with their peers to motivate the choice of their words and to select together 5 words out of those identified by each one of them. From 10 words, they need to choose 5. They have another 5 minutes so that they also motivate why they want to keep one word over another. 5. Ask the pairs to join another pair, thus forming groups of four participants. When all the groups are formed, repeat step 4. 6. If possible, ask the groups to join another group, thus forming bigger groups of eight people. When all the groups are formed, repeat step 4. 7. Split the flipchart under the archetype concept in as many columns as the number of groups. Ask the groups to reveal the final 5 words selected and write them down in the respective column. 8. Ask the groups to select all together the very final 5 words that belong to the selected concept out of all those written on the board. Facilitate the discussion and visually show on the flipchart what participants decide. Some words may be similar but may be perceived in different ways by the participants. Foster the active involvement of participants and have them motivate their ideas and decisions. This step should last up to 15 minutes 9. In case of need, you may rewrite the very final 5 words on a blank flipchart paper or board. |
| Debriefing | Ask all participants to discuss their emotions and difficulties in selecting the 5 words. Facilitate the discussion by asking participants the following questions:
How well did you think your group worked together? What kind of roles were there in the group? Who took the role of the leader? Who decided to step aside and let others take decisions? How does it feel to be in one or the other role? What could have been done differently? What are the lessons that we take with us in the future? |
| Tips and hints | During step 8, you need to be able to facilitate the discussion and to support participants in choosing the words, without choosing them. |
| Safety measures | Keep the chairs in a circle and have no objects inside the circle. |
| Added value | Appreciating different perspectives helps drive change. This activity allows us to not only understand the values of individuals, but also how their differences and unique circumstances drive those strengths. We must strive to foster the understanding of young people that the impact one’s social, emotional, physical and mental well-being has on their actions and reactions. It is our ability to see the whole person that truly enables us to recognize and appreciate unique perspectives and strengths. |
| Variances | You may choose other concepts like:
Well-being Social Health Democracy Group cohesion Etc. |