Methods for shaping group dynamics: Some examples
Short warm-up discussion Description:
Find an object Description:
Short interviews done in pairs or small groups are an in- teractive way to start an online session. Choose a few questions that give participants the chance to get talking about something. It could be something to do with the exchange or the vibe, location or participants’ expec- tations. This exercise is about interaction and curiosity about the other people in the digital setting. Set a time limit for each round. Three rounds lasting three minutes each is recommended.
This method is taken from Language Animation. It incor- porates participants’ immediate environment and also allows them to get up and move around. The exercise can be a short unit, can be used as a filler exercise or to introduce a new topic. The language aspect is particu- larly fascinating in exchanges. New words can be intro- duced by holding an object up to the camera, naming it and writing the new word in the chat function.
Procedure: 1. Write or show a randomly chosen letter. Pick a frequently used letter.
Procedure: 1. Tell participants the following:
» In a minute I’ll be giving you each a question you can use to start a conversation in groups of two/ three. Then you’ll automatically be divided up into breakout rooms. You have three minutes to talk about your question. » After three minutes everyone will come back to the main room and I’ll hand out new questions and divide you up into new breakout rooms. 2. After the end of the last round you can ask partici- pants about what they learned or get them to write down certain information for you. Tips: » Make the questions as simple as possible so as to make it easy for participants to get talking. This is especially important when they have different first languages. Participants can also use translation apps if they have difficulty understanding each other. » You can get participants to use visualisations to share personal information. For example, three emojis they like using or three emojis that depict things they like doing. » You will notice a distinct difference in participants’ fac- es before and after this exercise. It is great for getting exchanges and the getting-to-know-you phase off to a good start. And it also creates a relaxed atmosphere for the online exchange as a whole.
2. Participants then look for an item in their immedi- ate environment that begins with that letter. They can use the first language that comes to mind (presumably their first language). They should then hold the object up to the camera so everyone can see it. 3. The word should be spoken clearly for everyone to hear and then written down, for instance in the chat function or on the whiteboard. Tip: » Objects are also a good means of introducing a new topic. Ask participants: “What object do you associ- ate with…?” Then divide them into small groups to discuss their answers. This creates a more personal atmosphere, and you get to find out something about participants. Other scenarios for online youth exchange projects with concrete ideas and descriptions of methods are available here: https://dpjw.org/sze- narien-fur-online-austauschprojekte/ (in German) Many collections of ideas for short warm-ups and filler activities are available and are easy to adapt to youth exchanges. Here’s one that is rec- ommended: www.workshop-spiele.de/online-warm- up-finder/ (in German)
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