Expectations & fears
Download the methods
To download the methods, click here
Target group
No. of pax
Environment
Time needed
Materials
• Flipchart
• Pens
• Post-its
Objective/aim
The aim of this activity is to create a safer space where participants feel free to express their fears/concerns and expectations in relation to a workshop or learning pathway, and collectively discuss these fears and expectations and set a common basis at the beginning of the pathway.
Step by step instructions
Step 1
Prepare two flipcharts (or more, depending on the topics you are going to address), one for “fears” and one for “expectations”.
Place them in the centre of the room and assign a colour to each of the flipcharts (i.e.: pink post-it for fears and yellow post-it for expectations).
Step 2
Explain that the aim is to create a safe space where people can feel free to express themselves without judgement from others.
Step 3
Give participants 10-15 minutes to individually reflect on:
• What do you expect from taking part in the workshops/learning pathway?
• What are your fears in relation to your participation in this workshop?
Step 4
Give participants the post-its and tell them to write down what emerged from their reflection in an anonymous way and to stick them on the correct flipchart.
Step 5
Once all participants have finished, read the post-its one-by-one and facilitate a group discussion on the emerging issues by guiding them (i.e.: by asking: do you feel the same? How can we prevent this fear from materialising? What can we do to meet this expectation? Etc…)
Step 6
During the discussion, take notes and collectively select common rules that will help the group to meet their expectations and prevent the materialisation of the fears.
Step 7
Collect the flipcharts with the post-it and place them visibly in the room where the activities will take place; at the end of the workshop/learning pathway, go through the flipcharts together with the participants and collectively reflect on which expectations were met, which not and why, which fears materialised and how they were addressed, etc…
Tips for the trainer
Leave space for discussion between the participants. Make participants understand that this is a safe space where they can freely express themselves.
Alternative
The activity can be upscaled by adding other topics that could be useful for laying down a common basis or group agreement (i.e.: common rules, personal contributions, etc…).
Comment
Source
Adapted from “SALTO-YOUTH: Toolbox for training and youth work”
