The Group Spectrum Exercise
Group Spectrum is a simple non-verbal reflection exercise, attractive to visualize the diversity of ideas and thoughts that exist in a group.
Position your group so that they can see a line (imaginary or otherwise) marked on the ground about 5 to 8 metres long (depending on how many people are in your group.) Explain that each end of the line represents two ends of a spectrum, such as hot to cold, high to low, 1 to 10, etc.
For example, one end represents the blackest of blacks, and the other, the whitest of whites, with all the shades of grey in between.
Next, pose a question, make a statement or create a scenario, and ask everyone in the group to stand along that point of the line which matches their personal response. During the exercise no one has to say anything, and that is one of the strengths of this technique.
Once placed, give them a few minutes to quietly observe the distribution of the people in the line and where each one is. At this point, you can ask a few volunteers to share why they are where they are.
It is important to clarify that only the elections made are shared, a debate should not be opened about what would be the correct position on the line.
Repeat the exercise with different scenarios, questions or statements before starting the group reflection.
Moment of Reflection
- What surprised you about the exercise?
- Was it difficult for you to position yourself at a point on the line with any scenario, question or statement? Why?
- Were you surprised by the choices your classmates made? Why?
- What conclusions could you draw after doing this exercise?
The topics of this publication: integration, diversity, reflection, critical thinking, interactions, self, empathy
