In order to direct a workshop and respond to the needs of its participants, it is necessary to know
how to pass from one topic or subject to another, how to adapt sessions, how to stop and start
workshop sessions, and how to end them in a smooth way.
The following are the suggestions that Bruce Klatt (1999) gives in regards to this topic.
Moving within and between topics in a workshop session
First, some definitions:
Topic: the subject of dialogue and discussion.
Session: a section or part of a workshop of at least one complete topic. It may take any period of
time in one or more meetings (one day workshop in two sessions, a session for each topic, etc.).
a. Reviewing and summarizing within a topic
? What its value is: helps to overcome obstacles, keep participants focused and give them
direction.
? When to review and summarize: when topics are complex, the group has little experience
with the topic, there are problems, or as often as needed. Time for this must be planned
into the agenda. A few questions and “reading” the group can be used.
? How to review and summarize: with visual aids to illustrate key points and with challenging
but stimulating questions for participants.
b. Bridging between topics
Telling “what” is next in the agenda and “why”
it is important at that point in an
informative/concise way.
The value of “what” and “why” bridges: they
make connections between learning points and
how they support the purpose and the
outcomes besides of the agenda of the
workshop. Also, they support learning
readiness.
Bridges should be minimized or eliminated
altogether when the group needs to “struggle
to create and discover meaning for
themselves” (Klatt, 1999, p.383).
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