Planning and Facilitation of ELC Activity

I shall be exploring the planning and facilitation of an ELC activity. ELC (Experiencial learning cycle) is a model used to let participants experience a particular value via doing some activity. These activities always serves to bring out a particular value or purpose. The activities can be conducted to one person or to large groups, but the way of conducting may differ from number of participants.

Planning of ELC Activity
The first step will always derive an objective of the game. This objective is normally the value which you want the participants to learn at the end of the activity.

The second step is to choose a game/activity. It can be typical games like turn over a new leaf, entanglement. Choose a game which you are comfortable in explaining and conducting.

Third step is the important step. I called it the omission theory. To bring out the learning point in step one, I would normally removed some abilities of the participants. For example, not able to talk brings out the importance of communication. Close their eyes to bring out the fear for unknown and trust to other people.

Apart from omission, planners can make use of the enhance theory. This time round, instead of removing abilities, you enhanced their abilities. By making them not talk, is to enhance their listening skills. By adding more leaders to talk, create confusion.

At the planning stage, enhancing or omitting must be clearly done to bring out the particular value. However, the game will only be successful if it is carried out properly.

Facilitation of ELC Activity
There are many other variables that may affect the outcome of the games like participants, environment, space constraint. A facilitator of the activity has to be aware and make adjustments to the game to make it exciting for the participants. Effort has to be directed to the end goal.

These adjustments can create better effect (up to facilitator style and ability):
Time Limits
Time limits can be set to create a goal and end point to the game. It can also create competition within groups. However, time limits cannot be used when the participants do not know the game well or have just started the game.

Changing of rules
Certain participants might be creative and tweak the rules that you might have given as they perceived it differently. This may result in the end goal not met. Thus, changing or adding rules will serve to counter their actions.

Infusion of Stress Level
This is to create stress for activity which test on resilience and on stress management. This includes questioning and scolding. Eg Why is there such a problem? What are you doing now?

Giving Hints
When they are first planning for the game, do give hints to direct them to a better outcome. So that they will be able to fully experience the game.

Be part of them
Go into the game and get them involved. This is recommended when the participants are passive.

The points part of ELC activity is to be exciting and purposeful. This will make it a successful one.