Our organization often hosts knowledge exchange events which include small group activities followed by a report back to the full group. We are finding that these report backs are often repetitive and not all that helpful to participants. Does anyone have any good advice on interesting/innovative ways to do a report back?
Thanks,
Cynthia Neilson
Program Training and Consultation Centre
I developed the following template for academic clients who report back to the group on the regular conferences they attend. The objective was to keep the report short (max 500 words) and to create value for the reader as opposed to simply summarizing the agenda. Feel free to adapt as needed.
• Intro: what the event was, where, what level, who attended, what the objective was, a URL, etc.
• Three paras = three most interesting/important things you LEARNED (or key take away messages) and how they could be applied in the real world (or why they are important)
• Closer: do you recommend this conf? How soon do you think you can apply the learning? Will you share the learning? With whom? Etc.
I find the ‘start, stop, continue’ format for evaluation and reporting a targeted and interested way of seeking feedback. It encourages reflection on how an event, workshop or presentation has reinforced or challenged participants’ practice, and prompted them to do something differently.
What should I start doing?
What should I stop doing?
What should I keep doing?
It can also be helpful in promoting further discussion and discourage repetitive summarising.