Deshan and I conducted a quiz workshop last weekend in MCGS, Ajmer. This post is not a report/review of the same (you will find that here) but I just wanted to talk about my experience and a few learnings.
Starting with the experience, one word.. Fantastic. The workshop, atleast from our end, was awesome. And going by the reactions posted on the facebook wall that we created in the workshop, we did fairly well. Before reaching MCGS I did have some vague memories of the last time I was there, for IPSC Cultural Fest. 8 years ago. Spending three days in that campus just refreshed all those memories (Himanshu if you ever read this, recall the Hidamba incident)
Moving on, the fact that we customized the workshop to a great extent coupled with a lot of real time exercises meant that we slept for close to 10 hours in 72 hours. It was crazy but it was fun. And all that definitely wouldn't have been possible without Abhiram, Abhishek and Po.
Now to certain learnings which we noted down while on our way back. I won't keep it quizzing workshop specific but I hope it would make sense for anyone dealing with kids:
Starting with the experience, one word.. Fantastic. The workshop, atleast from our end, was awesome. And going by the reactions posted on the facebook wall that we created in the workshop, we did fairly well. Before reaching MCGS I did have some vague memories of the last time I was there, for IPSC Cultural Fest. 8 years ago. Spending three days in that campus just refreshed all those memories (Himanshu if you ever read this, recall the Hidamba incident)
Moving on, the fact that we customized the workshop to a great extent coupled with a lot of real time exercises meant that we slept for close to 10 hours in 72 hours. It was crazy but it was fun. And all that definitely wouldn't have been possible without Abhiram, Abhishek and Po.
Now to certain learnings which we noted down while on our way back. I won't keep it quizzing workshop specific but I hope it would make sense for anyone dealing with kids:
- Be informal but be authoritative
- Give them opportunities to practice skills/learnings/whatever it is that you are doing
- It is difficult for kids to be mentally present for a long time at a stretch so provide them with avenues to distract their mind. Being a facilitator of distractions helps you when you really want them to pay attention.
- When preparing for the workshop keep in mind that more than just imparting those skills that you intend to, you also have to create an experience for them.
- For every activity/game/exercise/speech ask why you are doing this and what do you wish to achieve for your participants at the end of it.
- Customize it for your participants. Every school may have similar demographic characteristics but they have different psychographic characteristics. Interacting with them in the earlier stages of the workshop really helps. Activities and talks related to a lot of real time incidents create a much greater impact. More than just being challenging it also kills boredom emanating from being repetitive.
- Even if you're doing a workshop for a very traditional art form- use technology. Being as non-techie as a non-techie can be, mark my words. Use technology.
- Ensure what you communicate has been received well. DO NOT ASSUME.
- When planning activities think of activities that are inclusive. Appreciate everyones hardwork and unless facing time constraints, give them an opportunity to present their skills in front of the gathering. Apologise if you're unable to do so.
- And finally, Expect the best. Prepare for the worst.
Well that's it for now. Keep Quizzing!
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