Mine risk education training module - Avsi

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7
Plenary Discussion
Facilitators discuss topics with the entire group in which everyone is
encouraged to express him- or herself. We have found it preferable to sit
in a circle, all together at the same level. This helps everyone to feel
equally important and reinforces participation by all. Through this method
the facilitators can learn the general ideas of the group and their responses
to the topics. In order to encourage full participation it is important to
choose different people to answer questions and to encourage equal
participation from both men and women.
Teaching
This is a rather traditional method of
sharing new information with participants
in which the trainer is presenting a topic.
The facilitator usually employs diagrams
and other educational materials. Any such
sessions used within the participatory
approach should be brief and immediately
linked with the experience and knowledge
of the participants.
Group Work
Small group work tends to stimulate A facilitator uses a poster and
participant interaction and discussion of chart to present information
what has been learned thus far. It can on mines and UXO.
increase the participation of some who find it difficult to express
themselves in larger groups. It also encourages the sharing of ideas for
creative applications when training their communities. Participants usually
enjoy group work because they have the opportunity to get to know each
other on a more personal level.
Role Play, Poem or Song
The aim of the training is not only to increase knowledge, but also to
change attitudes and behavior towards specific topics. In addition, we
want participants to develop practical ways to communicate this
information when they return home.
Role-play is one of the best methods to use for this purpose. In this activity
the participants take on different roles and act out an incident which
involves an encounter with a mine or UXO. As result of practicing in a
role play they experience what it might feel like and what they need to do
when faced with a similar situation. It helps to build confidence in knowing
what to do and what to tell others to do when one discovers an unknown
object.
Composing a song or poem with the key points of the training is also a
useful teaching tool. This helps the participants apply their creativity to
the topic and summarize the important points they learned.
These small group presentations reinforce the concepts and suggest
activities that participants can use in the field. The image of the
presentation is more likely to be remembered than mere verbal
communication. This activity reinforces the basic concepts and allows an
opportunity for the facilitator to correct any misconceptions and
emphasize the important points displayed by the group.
Energizers
These are short activities that
encourage playfulness and
usually involve physical
movement. They can be used
at the beginning of a session to
encourage unity by involving
everyone. Energizers are also
very helpful when used for a
break in the sessions to
revitalize participants who may
be tired, uncomfortable from
sitting too long, or tense from
the discussions of difficult
A facilitator energizes the group.