TASKs for democracy

Step 2 (pair work – 10 minutes)
After the game, the two partners discuss the following questions:
Which attitudes and actions were helpful in resolving the situation? (e.g. attentive listening, asking
questions, repeating what the partner said to make sure s/he is understood)
Which aspects prevented sensible communication? (e.g. shouting at the partner, insulting her/him,
being impatient)
Step 3 (group work – 10 minutes)
1. Two or three pairs get together to form a group.
2. Participants are asked to:
Agree on and rank the four most important rules to follow in completing such a task. Each rule should
be written on a card.
Agree on two reactions which definitely prevent sensible communication.
3. Groups pin their cards onto a board and take turns in explaining their rules to the other groups.
Step 4 (debriefing – 20 minutes)
Hold a debriefing discussion based on some of the following questions:
How did you feel while doing this exercise?
What did you learn from this activity?
What does it teach us about doubts, uncertainties and co-operation?
What does it tell us about communication and language barriers?
Can you see any other uses for this activity?
How can you relate this activity to situations in schools?
Could you use it in your classroom? Would you make any changes?
PLANNING
Preparation
Arrange the room so that participants can pair up back-to-back, sitting on chairs. There should be enough
space between the different pairs so that the task can be carried out without groups disturbing each other.
Resources and equipment
Two maps of the same city for each pair of participants, mirror images of each other, copied on separate sheets
of paper (see task sheet)
Tips and potential difficulties
You may want to adapt the activity and the map so that the same game can be played for example without
taking a taxi, or in a city that is familiar, or in a place other than a city – whatever is more appropriate for your
participant students.
FURTHER READING
Simon F. B. (2002), Meine Psychose, mein Fahrrad und ich. Zur Selbstorganisation der Verrücktheit, 9 Aufl., Heidelberg.
TASKs for democracy Page 78