What is it particularly suitable for

1. Circuit training can be used to work on many topics in a short time in larger groups and to effectively make work results from small groups accessible to all.
2. It is also a time-saving way to get opinions, answers or ideas from all workshop participants on specific questions.

Why we love it

1. Circuit training allows all content to be accessible to all without it becoming a long, tedious series of presentations to the entire circuit.
2. The method is easy to implement and varied for the participants. Rotating through the stations wakes up tired minds again, the change of format is usually very welcome.
3. The format is also flexible: you can vary the group sizes, change the rotation order, and adjust the task per round.
4. And what is just as great: Even quieter workshop participants can give their feedback on any topic, everyone has a voice.

Possible procedure

If used incorrectly, the method can easily slide into giving "smart advice", criticizing the person seeking advice, or leading rampant monologues. To prevent this, respectful treatment is essential.
A helpful attitude to adopt is:

• The first step is to prepare the room and define as many stations as needed. In our case: as many stations as there were small groups. The work results (e.g. flipcharts) are hung up there.
• Now the facilitator divides the group evenly among the individual stations. This can be done by drawing lots or by leaving it up to the group. It does not matter where one starts - all participants will work on all posters.
• Then the facilitator gives instructions to the group: First, the flipcharts should be read through in silence. If a member of the group that created the flipchart is in the viewing group, this person could also present the poster

• After that, the processing should take place:

  • Either in individual work: In this case, for example, each workshop participant could write down additions on yellow post-its, criticism on red post-its and praise on green post-its and stick them on the poster.
  • Or in group work, where each group of viewers is given a task, e.g. "what opportunities do you see in the idea presented? The respective group of viewers then has a defined time per station to discuss and record the results.
• After about 10 minutes, the groups of viewers change. Now the new group gets an overview of the original poster and the feedback that the group of viewers before them had given and writes down their points. In this way, all posters are gradually enriched by the views of all workshop participants and each workshop participant engages with the different perspectives on the different topics.

• Finally, once everyone has edited each poster, there are several options. We like these two:

  • The whole group gets another 20 minutes to look at the "finished" posters again in peace.
  • The original creators present their poster and associated feedback to the whole group.

Insider tips or "this is what we think is important".

1. The method needs some discipline of the participants, who should be moderated and guided accordingly.
2. Always important, but especially here: The post-its or group work results must be legible! The facilitator should clearly tell the group several times: "What cannot be read will be ignored."

Attitude

A good working basis is created in subgroups. The result becomes better through the thoughts of all.

By the way: For a better readability we change the gender form per method.