Talking walls
Overview (short introduction to the method):
Talking walls is a techniques that can be used for exploring issues, problem-solving, generation of ideas or developing action plans. A talking wall is a portion of wall, large whiteboard, large vertical stand or series of flipcharts used in such a way that participants can communicate with each other as a session progresses.
Objectives:
Engaging participants in a discussion; capturing points of view; reviewing work
Group size:
varies
Time:
60 - 90 minutes
Materials:
a room big enough for the class to spread out around the outside in small groups and sit in the middle as a large group, pens, markers, flipcharts.
Skills and Competences :
Expected outcomes :
This simple technique helps members of mixed teams to understand others’ perspectives or responsibilities, and to brainstorm about the scope of topic areas (problems, solutions, ideas, values, beliefs, etc.). This techniques gives participants an opportunity to express their knowledge, ideas and opinion freely and creatively. It is also particularly good for getting normally shy but creative people to contribute. This technique could be realized both with or without a facilitator.
Instructions:
1. Divide participants into little groups of 3 to 6 people. In smaller teams, this can be done in a single group.
2. For each sub-group, attach a flipchart sheet to the wall or provide them with a whiteboard.
3. Participants write their perceptions, ideas, or questions etc. (according to the topic and aims of the specific session) on their paper. It could be done in silence or in discussion of the members of the group with each other. It is decided by the facilitator which way is better.
4. Only new items are added to the lists to avoid duplication.
5. Once the lists are complete, sub-groups exchange their works and the participants are to examine the lists that they received and add new ideas, delete misconceptions, correct inaccuracies etc. depending on the nature of the problem or task.
6. Have each group discuss their flipchart list with the other groups, highlighting where there were misconceptions and how these were resolved within the group, or what was common between the lists or combine the lists in one joint resource or solution
Resources:
G. Parsell, T. Gibbs, and J. Bligh. Three visual techniques to enhance interprofessional learning. Postgrad Med J. 1998 Jul; 74(873): 387–390.
https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC2360984/?page=1