Subgroups

Using subgroups in facilitation is a much underused tool. For large groups (any group over 10) it can be both more practical and effective than staying in the large group. Sub group formats also can increase safety in groups and increase energy. Participants are more likely to engage and contribute if they are in smaller groups and they think that their voice matters. In planning subgroup work keep the following in mind:

1. Selection. If safety is an issue, have participants self select. If it is not try to have each subgroup be representative of the larger group.

2. Space. Find a comfortable space for each group. Try to avoid having different subgroups in the same room where work from another group can be distracting.

3. Size. Three to seven participants in each group is a good range to aim for. Groups of five or six generally work best

4. Activities. Give each group clear instructions. Each group can be working on the same task, or different groups might work on different tasks. For example, “Brainstorm, consolidate, and prioritize a list of behaviors a good facilitator practices in facilitating a group.”

5. Whole group follow up. Plan how you will pull the work of the subgroups together in the large group. Options include having the large group visit the work station of each of the small groups where they report back, each group shares its best ideas (two or three), going around and having each group report one idea until all the ideas are gathered, each group gives a report to a central processing team that synthesizes them.

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