This is a simple and fast technique: Invite all participants to write their opinions on a large piece of paper, without any rules or order. Everybody says what he or she thinks, positive or negative, long or short – as long as it is an opinion about the meeting (or an answer to a specific question). This can become a little bit more elaborate by having separate pieces of paper, with each one collecting ideas about different elements (e.g. the programme or agenda, the facilitator, the general preparation and logistics, the results and conclusions, etc.).
WHEN TO USE IT AND WHY
The Graffiti tool can be used at the end of a meeting, but also at the end of one particular session. It helps collect anonymous opinions from all participants, and in this way lets people express themselves, or say thing which they otherwise may not.
HOW TO?
- Prepare graffiti boards: poster boards, flipcharts, or chalk boards on which paper can be fixed (or a space on the floor);
- Ask participants to write down their observations, reactions, ideas or emotions, reacting to the facilitator or to the group. This can be anonymously. Topics may be provided at the top of each graffiti sheet, as criteria for an evaluation: "course content", "logistics", "facilitation", etc.This can also be elaborated a bit more by giving participants the possibility to give a grade (1 to 5 or 1 to 10) in each case and by separating the positive and the negative comments;
- If graffiti boards are to be used for daily feedback, the facilitator can ask volunteers to analyse the cards and identify general trends. They should report their findings back to the group the next morning. This will give the facilitator an opportunity to use the feedback to indicate whether she is able to an how she plans to respond to any suggestions;
- The facilitator can also place a blank board near to the door and ask participants to express their thoughts by adding to it, as they feel strongly about something positive or negative. In this way, she can provide an important and immediate outlet for their emotional and intellectual concerns.
WHAT DO YOU NEED?
- Flipcharts / big pieces of paper
- Time, both for participants to give their opinions and for a general discussion
MORE INFORMATION / SOURCE
- Pretty, Jules, et al. 1995. A trainer's guide for participatory learning and action. IIED Participatory Methodology Series. International Institute for Environment and Development, U.K.