| Keywords: | Organizing the Work Agenda; Participants’ Expectations |
| Objectives: | Devising a course / workshop / training session that meets the participants’ needs and expectations. Evaluating the achievement of the objectives of the course. |
| Target group: | Suitable for all kinds of groups, including children. |
| Duration: | 15 – 30 minutes, depending on the topic and the reaction of the group |
| Methodology step by step: | 1. Explain that only the person holding the ball may speak. When they receive the ball, each participant should introduce themselves and say what their expectations are for the course /workshop / training session. 2. Give the ball to a participant. Once they have finished talking, they should throw or pass the ball to another person. Repeat this until everyone has spoken. 3. Write down the main points on the flip chart or board. 4. After everyone has spoken, show the plan for the workshop / training session / course and point out how the expectations of the participants can be met. If possible, change the plan to include the points raised by the participants. NOTE: This is also an opportunity to clearly indicate which expectations will not be met. In addition, this exercise offers the possibility to evaluate, at the end of the event, to what extent the participants’ expectations were met satisfactorily. |
| Resources needed: | A tennis ball Flipchart |
| Challenges: | Participants may express too many expectations unrelated to the topic that has been prepared by the trainer. This creates frustration in the group and is demoralizing for the trainer if they are unable to adjust their program. |