Themes: Group Dynamics
Objectives 
  • To get know each other 
  • To create group dynamic
  • To inform participants about the methodology (non-formal education and holistic approach)  
  • To take the expectations of participants 
  • To present the training schedule to participants 
Duration and Planning 
  • 10 minutes : Introduction of Trainers 
  • 10 minutes : Presentation of Project and Questions and Answers  
  • 30 minutes : Name & Gesture
  • 5 minutes   : Introduction of Methodology 
  • 10 minutes : Gathering of expectations and fears 
  • 10 minutes : Learning Aims  
  • 5 minutes   : Weekly Program 
Materials 
  • Colored A4 Papers 
  • Post-Its 
  • Flipchart 
  • Paper Tape
  • Pens for each participant
Recommended Method 

The Opening Session begins with the project coordinator’s “Welcome” speech, after which the trainers introduce themselves. The entire group briefly say their name and what they are doing in local. The implementation of the overall project, the follow-up measures planned within the project are explained by the training team. Later on, the participants’ questions according to the program and the logistical manner were explained briefly. 

“Name&Gesture” 

Participants form a circle. The trainer asks each participant to says their name with a gesture that they choose to. Clockwise, the participant will repeat the name and gesture of everyone who have told their name and gesture before that one. The activity is ends when the circle comes to first person. 

Methodology The non-formal education methodology, experiential learning and holistic approach is introduced. Afterwards, the general idea of the overall project with the activities is explained to the participants so that they have a common understanding about the implementation of the activities. 

Afterwards, the general idea of the project and the steps are explained in detailed concerning to the activities that has to take place after the implementation of the training of trainers. 

“Gathering expectations and Fear” 

The facilitator puts two separate flipcharts with headings ( fear & expectations ) and give participants two separate color post-its in order to get expectations and fears.  They are to write in orange coloured papers that they expected from the training and red papers, what they have a fear about the training. The participants are requested the put the post-its in the flipcharts. The content written by participants to the flipcharts is read by trainers and summarized.  

“Learning aims” 

The participants are asked to develop their concrete learning aims concerning to the overall project activities and the overall activities within training programme according to the involvement. In the evaluation session of the training activity, we have visited these aims again to understand the achievement of the participants in a clearer way. 

Later on the weekly program is provided to the participants and the short information about the activities during the program is provided. If the participants have questions related to the program, the trainers answered their questions so that the activities are implemented smoothly in next days. 

Additional Information and Readings 

Other activities related with “Getting to know each other” and “Building group dynamics” can be as well implemented according to target group. 

This educational resource was produced with the financial support of the European Union within Erasmus+ Programme. Its contents are the sole responsibility of the Asociación Socio-Cultural VerdeSur Alcalá and do not necessarily reflect the views of the European Union.