Debriefing

Debriefing is a method that supports participants in reflecting on a method shortly after it has been used. Debriefing creates space to share thoughts, feelings, and ideas. This makes sense of what happened and strengthens personal, social, and sometimes institutional learning. At the outset, it is important to be clear about the rationale for undertaking a debriefing, as the approach will vary depending on the objective. If the aim is to provide participants with closure on an experience, the process may be more informal. If the aim is to report back to a funder or policymaker, the process will need to be more structured and formalised. In both cases, debriefing can help participants process complex feelings, recognise their own knowledge, and identify next steps, while also increasing the likelihood of longer-term personal impact.

In this module Kármen Czett explains how Debriefing was used within PLANET4B. In this video she introduces the Debriefing Method:

‍Key Features ‍

Group size:

Ideal for 6 to 12 participants, however this could change depending on the method and participants. Can be scaled up with multiple parallel sessions.‍

Timeframe:

• The timeframe will depend on the method being debriefed and the group involved. A shorter method may be effectively debriefed in around 45 minutes, while a more in-depth discussion could extend to one or two hours.
• In the PLANET4B project, a minimum of 1–2 days and a maximum of 2–3 weeks was left between the method and debriefing. This time is intended to allow participants to process the experience, without leaving so much time that key reflections or events were forgotten. Although in the PLANET4B project, debriefing occurred days or weeks after the method, holding a separate session with participants may not be possible in all contexts, in which case the debriefing can take place immediately after the original activity.

Skills Needed:

A debrief method works best if you have the following skills, or can source them:

Facilitation skills:

• Inclusivity – Create a safe, welcoming environment where everyone feels comfortable participating and sharing their views.
• Sensitivity – Be aware of power dynamics, cultural differences, and the potential for difficult or emotional topics to emerge — and respond with care and empathy.
• Trust-building – Foster trust within the group by encouraging active listening (giving full attention to the speaker without planning your response while they are talking), openness, and respect for different ways of communicating.
• Conflict-resolution – Handle disagreements or tensions in a constructive and respectful manner that allows space for multiple perspectives to be heard.
• Coordination – Manage time effectively and keep the group focused, ensuring that objectives are met without rushing or excluding contributions.

Project management skills:

• Planning and coordination - including scheduling, booking a suitable room, organising materials and food
• Ethics – ensure ethical procedures are followed and participants understand the purpose of contributing to the method, distribute consent forms and participant information sheets

Budget and materials:

Debriefing can be a low-cost method, but some budget should be allocated for:

• Space hire
• Refreshments and food
• Materials such as paper and pens, mood cards, printed prompts, drawing materials, symbolic cards, or natural objects
• Ethics forms and participant information sheets