M.7.
Winding Up A Group Games
M.8. About Values Clarification Exercises
Despite
their title, V.C.s relate essentially to exploring attitudes overlying
people's declared or ostensible values. V.C.s used to be very popular
and were used to address personal identity, democracy, or other issues
of priority - but they went out of fashion, as it became evident that
these discussions had little impact on behaviors.
Essentially,
this usage was inappropriate, primarily because it lacked follow-up –
there was no need to throw out the baby with the bath water. Adolescents
may love laid-back or intensive values-related discussions, but discovery
or statement of beliefs or attitudes do not bring about changes of behavior.
Furthermore, where consciously avowed values or attitudes are actually
in dissonance with existing behaviors (i.e. reflecting authentic, underlying
values), this dissonance becomes stressful and is not tolerated; the declared
atittudes will ultimately be buried, through reversion to the status quo
ante.
This
is not a warning against using such exercises – but of the need
to bring values and attitudes into the realm of behavior. A leader using
Values Clarification Exercises should therefore help group members internalize
their findings into self or group assessment processes, placing them in
their behavioral context.
V.C.s
are suitable for adolescents and adults, for use by experienced facilitators.
They can be very helpful in evaluation, because they offer options that
are not labeled as "good", "bad", or tagged in a leading
manner; their very essence is that they are non-judgmental and this is
how they should be conducted. Events, texts and topical issues can be
addressed and discussion structured through this technique.
Formats include unlabeled alternatives, choices, scales and free text
answers, four corners and triangular debates, simulation games, etc.,
designed to launch, channel, open up and close discussions on central
issues, without the need for consensus at closure.
Below is a very small sample of the free text format.
See
also (with appropriate adaptation): Related
Games
Top
M.9.
Oranges
(Self assessment in the program:
Expectations & Reality)
Image background: Outline of an orange, with a leaf on top:
What I expected to find/happen in this program/group
1-5 points
Same image:
What I found/happened in this program/group
Top
M.10.
Suitcases
(Learning,
group feedback and self-assessment in the group: Exchange exercise)
Image background: Suitcase outline and person carrying it:
What I brought with me to this program/group (not physically!)
1-5 points
Same image:
What I take home with me from this program/group
Top
M.11.
Presents
(Sharing
or self-assessment: mental gifts, dreams, wishlists)
Image background: Outline of a wrapped package, with bow:
A present I wish for this program/group....
A gift I would like to give the person sitting on my left ...(done in
a round, verbally)
A gift I would like to give someone in the group... (poster board around
the wall, for everyone)
Top
M.12.
Scales
(Evaluation,
for group review)
Image background: Outline of Libra, the Zodiac sign for scales, enlarged.
Left side: Cool things about this group/program (5 lines)
Right side: Improve the act things (5 lines)
Top
M.13.
Profile
(Satisfaction
highlights, in a verbal whip-round - also group review)
The best moment…
The most intense experience…
The saddest moment…
|