Preparing the Ground
A Debriefing is designed as an opportunity for reflection after an activity. You can find inspiration for suitable activities in the Spotlight Methods and the Snapshot Methods. While conducting the method or activity, it might be valuable to note down a few key moments, themes, or ideas that may be valuable to revisit as part of the Debriefing discussion.
- Consider the purpose of the Debrief: Clarify what you want to explore through the Debriefing. Is the focus on (e.g.) emotions, learning outcomes, group dynamics, or planning future action? The purpose may vary depending on the context and can also be shaped by participants themselves.
- Consider the preceding activity: Tailor the Debrief to the nature and content of the method used. Ensure the framing allows participants to meaningfully reflect on their experience.
- Prepare 5 to 8 open-ended questions: These should invite reflection, encourage dialogue, and surface diverse perspectives, for example:
- What did you notice during the activity that surprised you?
- How did it make you feel to hear others' contributions?
- Did anything change in how you think about [theme]?
- Was there a moment that stood out to you? Why?
- What would you like to explore or do next?
- Bring facilitation tools: Use items such as mood cards, dixit cards, drawings, symbolic objects, or materials from the creative or participatory method to support the Debriefing.
- Arrange logistics: Secure an accessible space, and provide snacks or refreshments, or transport if needed. Ensure informed consent is in place for both the method and Debrief.
- Be attentive to group dynamics: Create a safe and respectful atmosphere. Consider how power dynamics, language barriers, or emotional responses may shape participation.
Before the PLANET4B education case study Debriefing sessions, for example, psychologists were contacted to ask advice about engaging with children, what methods are suitable, how power dynamics can be avoided etc. Although this is not a necessary step in every case, if you are working with vulnerable groups, such as children, consider discussing your process with external experts.
In this video Kármen Czett reflects on the use of Mood Cards in Debriefing as a creative way to explore emotions:
The Debrief Session
To open the session, you may wish to begin with a simple icebreaker. For example, the human thermometer activity invites participants to position themselves along an imaginary line in the room to indicate where they stand on a question posed by the facilitator. This could be about how they are feeling or their view on a specific topic, with one end of the line representing strong agreement or a very positive feeling, and the other end representing strong disagreement or a less positive feeling. Participants can then see where others are positioned and, if appropriate, briefly share why they chose their spot.
Establish Ground Rules
Ground rules can be co-created with the group, but might include:
- Speak from your own experience, do not speak on behalf of others
- Listen without interrupting
- You can pass/ decline to answer at any time
- Where findings are to be shared externally, all contributions will be treated anonymously
The Discussion
There are various ways to structure the debriefing discussion, and the approach you take will depend on the context, the participants, and your intended outcomes. The conversation can be open and emergent, shaped by what participants bring. Nonetheless, it is often useful to enter with a guiding structure in mind.
The following is one suggested approach, offering a loose sequence of stages to help ground the discussion while allowing space for diverse reflections and insights to emerge:
- Recall – What happened? (facts, impressions)
- Reaction – How did you feel? (emotions, surprises)
- Meaning – What does it mean? (insights, values)
- Next – What now? (actions, commitments)
Supporting Expression
Incorporate prompts and creative tools to help participants express themselves:
- Mood cards featuring images related to nature, community, or emotions
- Drawing or mapping exercises to visualise thoughts and experiences
- A talking object that is passed around to indicate who has the floor
In this video Kármen Czett explains how tools such as mood cards can be used to support the Debriefing Method:
Closing the Session
Conclude on a hopeful, grounded, or celebratory note:
- A short nature quiz or exchange of fun facts
- Sharing one wish for the future of their community or environment
- Creating a group artwork, collage, or shared timeline
