Microlabs
Purpose: To address a specific sequence of questions in a structured format with small groups, using active listening skills. The Microlab is useful for team-building and democratizing participation because it asks that participants equalize communication and withhold judgment. It affirms people’s ideas and builds community while addressing specific content issues.
Time allotted: About 8 minutes per question — this works best with a series
of no more than three questions.
Group format: Form triads, either with the people you’re sitting near or
others in the group you don’t know well.
Number off—1, 2, 3.
Facilitation Tips: “I’ll
direct what we will talk about. Each
person will have one minute (or, sometimes 2 minutes, depending on the group
and the question) to talk about a question.
While one person is speaking, the other two in the group simply listen. When time is up, the next person speaks, and
so on. I’ll tell you when to
switch.” Emphasize that talk has to stop
when you call time, and, conversely, if the person is done speaking before time
is up, the three people should sit in silence, using the time to reflect.
The
quality of the questions matter in this exercise. The questions should be ones that matter to
the group.
The Activity:
After instructing the group, read the first question aloud
(twice). Give everyone time to write in
preparation. Then, tell people when to
begin, and then tell them when each one/two minute segment is up. On the first question, begin with person #1,
then #2, then #3. Then read the next
question aloud. On the second question,
begin with #2, then #3, then #1. On the
third question, begin with #3, then #1, then #2.
Reflection questions following the activity:
- How
did this go for you? What worked
well, and what was difficult? Why?
- How
might your conversations have been different had we not used this
protocol?
- What
are the advantages/disadvantages of using this activity?
- What
would you want to keep in mind as someone facilitating this activity?
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