Structure to move from individual to whole group sharing; helps avoid groupthink and provide productive ideas
Set-up: Nothing special; might need flipchart for facilitator
This format can be used over and over again. Participants should get to the point where a facilitator says “Let’s do 1-2-4-ALL” and they know exactly what to do.
Facilitator poses a question that deserves thoughtful attention. It could be an abstract idea, where you’d like every person to spend time thinking and discussing.
OR
Facilitator poses a problem that needs a solution. Using this structure would allow every person to contribute constructively to problem solving.
1- Provide a few minutes for all individuals to quietly reflect on the question. They can write down ideas or simply organize their thoughts.
2-Instruct individuals to pair up. They should thoroughly share/discuss their individual ideas and construct a list that encapsulates their ideas.
4-Pairs join up to make groups of 4. Each pair shares/discusses their list of ideas. The group compiles one new list that reflects the groups ideas.
ALL-Groups share out their list of ideas, so that the whole group can compile, discuss, and identify what is most important.
This Activity works even better on Zoom. Here is a YouTube video with step-by-step instruction on how to do it. The basic steps it outlines:
1-Everyone is silent and works alone for one minute to brainstorm
2-Put everyone into breakout rooms of 2. They discuss their insights for about 4 minutes.
Return everyone to the main room.
4-Mix everyone up again and send them to breakout rooms in groups of 4. Give them 4-6 minutes to come up with 2-3 key points they can align under.
ALL-When everyone returns ask each group to share their 2-3 main points.
This gives everyone a chance to participate, gives space repetition and consolidates understanding -all of which are typical a weakness of online training.
Liberating Structures original post on 1-2-4-All that we refined above.