VIPP_Unicef

5 The Participants
In VIPP, the participants are the main resource for advancing a
process of planning or learning. Their needs and characteristics
will determine the purpose, content, central theme, duration and overall
design of an event. For example, if it appears that the participants will be a
homogeneous group, facilitators may expect a smooth flowing process. The
design of VIPP techniques must then be in accordance with the age,
experience, language and education level of the participants. A higher
education level does not necessarily mean more knowledge, as knowledge
may depend more on life experience. But more highly educated people will
be more familiar with words and graphics.
VIPP techniques are excellent for bringing together the varied perspectives
of heterogeneous groups.
In heterogeneous groups, more attention is required to involve everyone
productively. Heterogeneity should be seen as an advantage and
opportunity to bring together a rich variety of experiences in planning or
learning. The facilitator must be conscious about this advantage and try
to identify individuals to act as resource persons for specific topics.
A more difficult challenge for any facilitator is dealing with very formal
people who receive their authority out of status and knowledge, not out
of their attitude and congenial relationships with others. Therefore, the
THE USES OF VIPP
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