Description Long

Participants usually stand or sit in a circle. The workshop facilitator poses a question such as “How do you feel about the selected solutions after today’s session?” or “What’s the next step?” Depending on the format, participants respond briefly and without commentary. Responses are typically limited by time or word count.

The flash round is especially useful for quickly capturing the group’s overall mood or perspective. It can be used to start a discussion, offer a moment of reflection during the session, or serve as a closing activity at the end of a workshop.

Preparation

• It is recommended to think of a few possible flash round questions in advance.

Execution

1. The workshop facilitator spontaneously develops a closing question for the flash round based on the flow of the workshop and depending on its significance and timing – e.g., as part of a larger project.
2. Participants are invited to stand in a circle (if the session involved a lot of sitting) or to sit (if the workshop was highly dynamic).
3. The facilitator then formulates the question and specifies the limit for each response, either by time or number of words (e.g., a maximum of 30 seconds or 10 words).
4. All participants should have the opportunity to speak and “flash” briefly, without triggering further reflection or discussion.
5. If needed, the responses can be recorded or documented.

Hints from experience

• There is a risk that flash round responses may be commented on or that time or word limits may be exceeded. The facilitator should intervene firmly if necessary to prevent this.
• Groups using this method should ideally not be too large. However, if participants are experienced and able to keep their responses brief and focused, the recommended group size may be exceeded.

References

Schwäbisch, Lutz, & Siems, Martin (2003). Anleitung zum sozialen Lernen für Paare, Gruppen und Erzieher: Kommunikations- und Verhaltenstraining. Reinbek bei Hamburg: Rowohlt-Taschenbuch-Verlag.

http://methodenpool.uni-koeln.de/download/blitzlicht.pdf