Mental Models Exercise LO10337

Steve Fortier (4tr@blast.net)
Fri, 04 Oct 1996 22:24:54 +0000

Replying to LO10303 --

In response to Peggy Smith-Lewis' comments/inquiry regarding exercises
that help individuals and groups practice inquiry and reflection, there
are numerous experiential learning processes that can be used. My initial
thoughts include several "blindfolded" activities (ie- tangrams, blind
polygon, pitfalls, sherpa walk, blind trust walk). However, virtually any
experiential learning activity can be a powerful tool to look at the gap
between espoused theory and theory-in-use (another Argyris concept). I
often videotape client groups going through an exercise and play it back
after an initial debrief. It is often shocking for participants to "see"
the difference between what they experienced or felt they did during the
activity and what they are now observing for real feedback. Lastly (for
now) most problem-solving initiatives will draw out creativity and
generative team learning. I particularly like those that allow for
multiple attempts (ie- Warp Speed, Group Juggle, Diminishing Resources,
Spiders Web) where reflection and learning are built in and immediately
applied for instant feedback. Well this is the best my weary grey matter
can spit out right now. I look forward to initial reactions which I might
respond to.

Steve Fortier
Excelsior Experiential Training and Consulting, Inc.
PO Box 407, Frenchtown, NJ 08825
908-996-6416

-- 

Steve Fortier <4tr@blast.net>

Learning-org -- An Internet Dialog on Learning Organizations For info: <rkarash@karash.com> -or- <http://world.std.com/~lo/>