Graphic Templates are a great success! Since the Graphic Facilitation training, we have used templates in our workshops numerous times with a variety of audiences. Prior to using templates, we would ask small groups to discuss a topic, write notes on a large piece of paper and report back. For example, they might be asked to think of a children's age group, characteristics of the age group and implications for working with the children. Prior to using the templates, we often observed workshop participants lapsing into unrelated conversations or sloppily completing only part of the assignment. Since we began using templates to accompany their discussions, the quality of conversation among participants has improved. The requirement to fill in the spaces on the graphic template keeps them "on task" and they complete the entire assignment.
The colorful templates are more enticing and it seems they make special efforts to complete it carefully so it can be posted and viewed by others with pride. At the conclusion of the workshop, many participants take their templates back to post in their office and refer to later. At one workshop, we offered educational incentives for those completing a research survey. One woman asked if she could have a blank template instead of the incentive she had won! We've also found easy ways to use technology to enhance our artistic capabilities and save work. Graphic Templates can be reproduced for about $2 each at places like Office Max that have photocopiers capable of making easel paper size (27" X 34") reproductions from an 8"x 10".
For the agenda and Desired Outcomes graphics, we created them in WordPerfect using a table (for agenda), comic sans, and clip art, printed them on a transparency and then projected them on easel paper and traced, colored with chalk and markers. Click below to take a look at some of our creations.
Faye Lee & Shelley Murdock, UCCE Advisors, October 2002