Reference - https://www3.secure.griffith.edu.au/03/toolbox/

Description

A structured forum where people are invited to work together in a group (or groups) on a common problem or task. The goals are to resolve issues and build consensus for action, rather than provide information and answer people's questions. If the workshop is intended as a community event focusing on a community issue, the selection of participants is determined by knowledge, expertise or by selecting a cross-section of views. Alternatively, workshops can be organised to target particular groups, e.g. young people, or women. Workshops require a facilitator who is able to engage all participants in the discussion. Workshops are a participatory tool that is best used with smaller numbers of participants. The Ontario Public Consultation Guide (1994) suggests a workshop can meet three key objectives of the public consultation program:

1. Understanding the public: workshops allow you to learn in detail the views and suggestions of participants
2. Discussing the issues: other viewpoints and ideas and possible solutions can be heard in a non-confrontational atmosphere
3. Building consensus for action: participants can have a free-flowing discussion of new approaches that can lead to group decidions or positions. A variety of tools can be used within a workshop. For example: focus groups and/or visioning

Objectives

Workshops aim to bring participants together in a structured environment (that is, through large and small-group activities, discussions, and reflection) to plan, decide or overcome difficulties.

Outcomes

Workshops can deliver a report, opinions, suggestions or plans that have been collaboratively developed and agreed to by all participants, on an issue or proposal.

Uses/Strengths

Excellent for discussion on criteria or analysis of alternatives.
Fosters small group or one-on-one communication.
Offers a choice of team members to answer difficult questions.
Builds ownership and credibility for the outcomes.
Maximises feedback obtained from participants.

Special Considerations/Weaknesses

Excellent for discussion on criteria or analysis of alternatives
Fosters small group or one-on-one communication
Ability to draw on other team members to answer difficult questions
Builds credibility
Maximised feedback obtained from participants
Fosters public ownership in solving the problem Hostile participants may resist what they may perceive as the 'divide and conquer' strategy of breaking into small groups
Facilitators need to know how they will use the public input before they begin the workshop.
Several small group facilitators are usually needed.

Resources Required

Publicity
Venue rental
Catering
Staffing
Engagement of moderator/facilitator
Engagement of experts
Recorders
Gophers
Artists/photographer
Audiovisual recording equipment and amplification
Overhead projectors
Data projectors
Video
Slide projector/screen
Printed public information sheets
Response sheets
Props for working in groups (pens, paper, pins, etc.)
Children's requirements

Can be used for

Engage community
Discover community issues
Develop community capacity
Develop action plan
Communicate an issue
Build alliances, consensus

Number of people required to help organise

Medium
Small

Audience Size

Medium / Large

Time Required

Medium-term

Skill Level/Support Required

Medium

Cost

High
Medium
Low

Participation Level

High

Innovation Level

Low

References

IAP2
Ontario Public Consultation Guide 1994