How many break-out spaces
Larry Peterson
larry at spiritedorg.com
Thu Aug 21 06:57:41 PDT 2008
Shikha, Ashley and HO:
I usually assume 7 per 100, except in lower numbered events. Even with
10-15 folks, I go with a minimum of 3 breakouts. I also plan for the same
number of computers as breakouts. It depends in part on clients and my
assumptions about the possible emergent leadership in the group. At the
wall, sometimes all of the post-its are taken at first and then some are put
back on the "grid" as the group self-organizes and combines some topics for
discussion. I often put up extra meeting spaces and cover them with paper
until its clear that they are needed. This encourages topics to be spread
through the time frame of the event. I'm always prepared for more
discussion groups that my best guess. Encouraging emergent leadership
around the theme, to me, is important, without setting up to many
expectations. The space/time slots for meetings are there or they get
created on the spot as needed.
Larry
Larry Peterson & Associates in Transformation
Toronto, Ontario, Canada
<mailto:larry at spiritedorg.com> mailto:larry at spiritedorg.com 416.651.6913
http//:www.spiritedorg.com
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Harrison
Owen
Sent: August-21-08 8:29 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: How many break-out spaces
Shikha - You are not very far from that old question of "Optimal Group
Size." Some said six. Some say 12. . . My own experience is that the optimal
size is whatever works, and that depends. I have seen groups of 3 that were
a disaster and groups of 70 that were marvels of inclusion and
communication. My conclusion: Only the people can tell, and figuring groups
size is one more thing I don't have to do. I guess I would put "clustering
cards" under the same heading. I know the people who do what I think is
called Participatory Technology, developed by ICA - do that, but every time
I found myself in one of their gatherings it seemed to me that it all took
much too long and never came out "right" anyhow, for the simple reason that
only the people knew the issues well enough to know what went with which.
Harrison
Harrison Owen
189 Beaucaire Ave
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261 (Summer)
301-365-2093 (Winter)
Website www.openspaceworld.com
Personal Website www.ho-image.com
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From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Shikha
Shrestha
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 11:34 PM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: How many break-out spaces
Hi,
I feel that it is hard for us to determine the number of participants, as
the people themselves choose the group they want to join in. The number of
groups that we can manage at one time slot depends on our venue, how much
groups that can be managed. We do not need very formal space but just a
space for people to talk and share. In most cases, having at least table or
flipchart is helpful to write their notes and that is visible to all in the
group. It is not mandatory though!
In the number of people in each group, I also agree that 5-6 people per
group is the best but as facilitator we cannot determine the number so i
suggest you not be worried and let the session be chaotic so that people
feel the warmth of informality and do feel comfortable in sharing.
In some cases, if there are too many cards than we can handle but I tried
using the method of clustering the uniform cards together. But, we should be
very much careful in not clustering the cards that are not similar or carry
different meaning. It is only the last thing that can be done.
Hope it helps,
Shikha
On Thu, Aug 21, 2008 at 2:48 AM, ashley cooper <mail.easilyamazed at gmail.com>
wrote:
Thanks Doc and Harrison.
So all we have to do is remember to KISS every experience we have. I love
it!
On Wed, Aug 20, 2008 at 3:53 PM, Harrison Owen <hhowen at verizon.net> wrote:
Spaces - my rule of thumb is 5 (SPACES) per 100 people. Same ratio for
computers. KISS. Keep it simple S. Something I can remember and it always
seems to work.
ho
Harrison Owen
189 Beaucaire Ave
Camden, ME 04843
207-763-3261 (Summer)
301-365-2093 (Winter)
Website www.openspaceworld.com
Personal Website www.ho-image.com
OSLIST To subscribe, unsubscribe, change your options
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From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of Tenneson
Woolf
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 10:49 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: Re: How many break-out spaces
Hey Ashley,
My experience is one for every 5-6 people. If the group is small, 12ish, I
have a few more. If the group is large, for me 120ish, I have a few less.
And, I just invite people to create another space if we run out. I'm always
happy to observe that when topics are called from that place of passion and
responsibility, walls in breakout rooms become less important. Corners of
rooms work fine.
I wonder what you've learned, the Ashley formula?
Hugs.
Tenneson Woolf
Lindon, Utah USA
tenneson at berkana.org
skype: tenneson_woolf
801 785 2276
801 376 2213 Cell
_____
From: OSLIST [mailto:OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU] On Behalf Of ashley
cooper
Sent: Wednesday, August 20, 2008 7:53 AM
To: OSLIST at LISTSERV.BOISESTATE.EDU
Subject: How many break-out spaces
Hello,
I still haven't mastered the ease of searching our archives... so please
forgive my repetition.
Do you use a 'formula' for estimating out how many break-out areas based on
the number of participants?
Thanks,
Ashley
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