Doing conflict transformation training using experiential education requires a good toolbox. Our tools aren’t hammers, screwdrivers and saws. Rather our tools are various ways to facilitate a group’s work, simulations and role plays, activities that connect people to their own experiences in a way that can bring new insights, and energizers that open up all our senses to new information.
In this toolbox we have the following categories of tools–click the category to explore the specific tools:
Explore the tools in the toolbox. Also, check out the training video clips, many of which deal directly with some of the Bible Studies and Content-Specific Tools. Some tools have links to websites of other organizations for more details about the tool and how to facilitate that tool. Some have photos to give you a sense of how the tool looks in a group as it is being used.
When you select a tool to use, think through how you would lead it. Gather or prepare any materials you might need. Then try it out! Afterward reflect on how it went. What did you do well as the leader? What might need to be improved? Were there any unforeseen responses? How did you handle those? Would you want to change your instructions to make the task clearer, or do you want to let the creativity of the group emerge in how they deal with less defined directions? Then try it again!
As you work with new tools it might be helpful to keep a facilitator journal so you can focus your reflections and keep a record of the lessons you learn along the way. You can also record good stories from your facilitation. Often you will find opportunities to tell many of those stories as you continue to train. In fact, you should have a special story toolbox ready to draw from!