Understanding and Challenging Stigma toward ... - Pact Cambodia

Tips for Facilitating Participatory Workshops
Organizing Group Work
Give clear instructions on what the group is expected to do:
the questions to be discussed;
the reporting method (e.g., verbal, using flipchart, or drama);
the time limit.
If the task is difficult, write instructions on the flipchart so that everyone is clear.
Then divide into groups (see below).
After groups are formed, go around to each group to check that they are clear
about the task. Ask them to explain what they are expected to do to see if they
understand.
Allow the groups to complete the task on their own, but make yourself available
to answer questions, and remind them about the time remaining and how they
are to report.
Dividing into Groups
In dividing into groups the aim is to mix participants up to get them working with
different people. Keep changing the members in a group for each exercise.
To achieve this objective, select groups on a random basis. Decide on the desired
number of people in each group (e.g., 6 people) and divide the total number of
participants (say 24) by this number to determine the number of groups, i.e., 4.
Then count off around the group: “1, 2, 3, 4, 1, 2, 3, 4,” etc. Or call
out different names – “mango … orange … banana … coconut … mango …”
etc., and ask the “mangos” to form a group, “oranges” to form a group, etc.
In deciding on the group size, you will need to think about the following:
a) large groups (five to nine) – less participation, but the report back takes less time.
b) small groups (two to four) – more participation, but more groups to report so
it takes longer.
Some group work can be done in “buzz groups” (pairs) – everyone gets a chance
to talk.
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