Efficient Check-Ins: Starting Right
For any meeting, setting the tone at the outset is crucial. This is where the check-in activity comes into play. A facilitator should model how to answer the prompt by going first, setting the stage for the participants. Here are some simple prompts you can consider:
For In-Person Meetings:
Write a word describing how your learning period is going so far. Place it on the wall.
Reflect on one piece of knowledge you've gained related to your learning goal. Place it on the wall.
For Online Meetings:
Ponder on one insight you've gathered related to your learning goal. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
Find an emoji that captures your current feelings about your learning objectives. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
Search for a photo that resonates with how you feel about your learning targets. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
Pick a color representing your experience with your learning goals so far. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
By visualizing participants' responses, the group can gauge individual and collective mood.
Check-Outs: Ending on a Reflective Note
Concluding a meeting requires as much finesse as starting it. Here are some prompts tailored for this purpose:
For In-Person Meetings:
Jot down a word that encapsulates your feelings at the end of the session. Place it on the wall.
Reflect on a new insight acquired during the last 30 minutes. Place it on the wall.
For Online Meetings:
Consider a fresh piece of wisdom from the past 30 minutes. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
Select an emoji that mirrors your current mood. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
Choose a color symbolizing your current sentiment. Add it to the digital whiteboard.
The Synergy of Check-Ins and Check-Outs
Using similar exercises at both the start and finish of a meeting can be super useful. For example, if you kick off with something simple like picking a color to represent your mood, why not circle back to that at the end? This not only helps the facilitator see how things shifted but also lets everyone reflect on how they felt throughout the session. It's a laid-back way for participants to see their own mood journey during the meeting.
