Hello! I’m hopefully going to be offering an experimental online space that has,in part, a couple of workshops. My question is – what ways have you seen for sharing in the AWA style method that would or might work with a larger group of people? I’m trying to get a feel for structure, etc.
I know in AWA monthly writes there are additional facilitators, for example. Tt this time this isn’t an option so just coming to this group to see if anyone has ideas.
Thank you in advance
Diane
How large a group are you thinking it might be Diane? That would help me give you some ideas.
Sue
Hi Sue – I’m guessing it could be 16-20 at most? Thank you in advance for your help!
Diane
I do think if you are doing it on line and want to give everyone an opportunity to share, you need to be mindful the prompt and write are pretty short. You can also limit feedback comments to one or two per person and make it okay for other members to not comment – that’s a hard one as people do feel compelled since they are getting feedback to fully participate. Same is true for reading, not everyone has to read, so that may help with time.
If you do a longer write, you might have to let people know not everyone will get a chance to read. Assure people who didn’t get to share they will get priority next time, and keep lose track. Finally, I would sometimes agree to spend a little extra time after to make sure everyone goth the chance to be heard.
I do an in-person group with around forty attendees. I have been meeting with them for more than four years. So they know the feedback drill. On occasion, if we do a long write, I will break them into groups of two or three to read and provide feedback to one another with clear parameters. That way everyone gets acknowledged. I can do it in person, because I’m there to observe and step in if needed. Harder to do on-line.
Good luck.
This is very helpful, guy! thank you for the detailed response and ideas.