We developed this PD activity so you get a chance (1) to practice facilitating an activity while not feeling like an expert and (2) to build empathy among facilitators for learners who may approach an activity differently than they would. (Read more about the original, live and in-person version here.)
<aside> 🎠Choose your own facilitation adventure using this Google form.
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You circulate in the room as your patrons work on their projects, and notice a patron leaning back in their chair. Patron D says, "I'm done”! You take a look, and you see that D has copied the paper circuit example, making a basic project with a cat with glowing LED eyes, and nothing more—nothing of their own added to the idea. There is still plenty of time left in the workshop. D seems interested in the activity, but seems just as happy to sit around, doing nothing.
I would ask them to tell me how they created their project. I would ask questions to get them to de-brief with me and then ask them to share with another student.
I like it! Ok since you seem to enjoy the process, can I give you a bigger challenge to think through? Do you think there is anyway to combine this project with this one to make one mega-creation? What would you build?
Wow D, you put that together very quickly! Is there anything you'd like to create with a paper circuit? Depending on D's response I may offer suggestions of creating a vehicle or something they enjoy.
Try to get them to talk about their process; maybe start by asking them what they thought of a certain part of the activity—was it tricky? Ask them how they might do it differently if they are designing for another group. Having others share can be inspiring.
I would encourage them to repeat the process.