| Giving
Feedback
Use
this activity to introduce a Topic
Group
Size 6 to 12
Estimated
Time 3 to 6 minutes
Props:
A Box; 30 pieces of wadded paper
Your
participants will value the benefits of constructive feedback
as they try to accomplish a goal that is not possible without
feedback from their peers.
It
works best with a small group of people who can all participate.
Use
it at any time in a program to introduce the value of feedback.
Conceptual
thinkers will make the most of the activity if you ask them
to draw conclusions; concrete thinkers will appreciate the
experiential demonstration.
Instructions:
Ask
for one volunteer.
When
that person comes forward, position the volunteer in a standing
position and place an empty cardboard box somewhere behind
him or her, but not directly behind.
Place
the 30 pieces of wadded paper within reach of the volunteer.
Explain
to the group that their job is to give clues to the volunteer
that will help him or her to throw the wads into the cardboard
box without turning around.
Give
examples of clues such as, "A little further to the left."
Begin
the activity.
About
halfway through the activity, remind the volunteer of some
of the clues given.
Ask
which one were actually helpful and why that was true.
Keep
the activity going until the volunteer has successfully
thrown three wads into the cardboard box.
Ask
the group to describe what is true about feedback based
on what occurred in the exercise.
Variation:
If
you have fewer than seven people and more than five minutes,
ask them all to stand in a square and do the activity for
each person, one at a time.
Debrief:
Feedback
was expected and welcome. One person could not make the
goal in a timely manner without hearing other perspectives
and suggestions. When the goal was accomplished, everyone
participated in enjoying the success.
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