Yarning Circles

What is it and why are why are doing it?

A yarning or dialogue circle originates from indigenous cultures where tribes would gather to share knowledge and learning through stories. Its a chance to get into the learning zone but also to get out of your head and articulate and share your learning as a story. This allocated time in the "learning zone". To build a narrative or "story" allows you to visual yourself and your growth and how you will apply this learning in the "performance zone". It also helps you to build your idea of your own professional identity or "career story".

The reason why we record it is so that you can listen back to your own and others stories and ths will help you in reflecting in your final video reflection.

The Rules

1) it is about the learning- this is your chance to tell your story about what you have learned over the past 4 days. Its your story and is best told with emotional language. Don't rush it.

2) It is strength based- you concentrate on your strengths and share the positive things you have learned. It is not about complaining about someone else or the system.

3) Everyone tells their story in turn. The others LISTEN (no judgment). When finished, its the next persons turn. This is not about discussing or persuading, this is about telling your story. You can relate back to what someone else has said when it is your turn and as part of your story.

3) Everyone tells their story for as long as they need to (not too long) in a clockwise direction. The "stick" get passed around. You continue in three rounds based on the following provocations

• What have I learned most about interdisciplinary collaboration that is important to share with everyone
• What have I learned most about myself that will make me "perform" better in the future. You might like to reflect on what others have said in the first cycle at this stage
• How might I use what I have learned from a personal career perspective into the future- Ie how has your professional identity developed?

HOW TO DO IT

• One person (the post grad student maybe) is nominated as the facilitator. They will ensure that the rules are followed as above and that you answer the three questions over the three cycles
• At the start all members "check in". This means they do a thumbs up up indicating that they are ready and present and prepared to participate.
• The facilitator turns on their mobile audio recording (ie voice memo). Your recorded stories must be uploaded onto slack
• Sit in a close circle facing towards each other
• Find an object which acts as the "stick" ie whiteboard marker or drink bottle
• anyone can start but go in a clockwise direction
• Each speaker tells a story around the prompt and specifically in relation to the past 4 days of wicked problems. When finished they hand the "stick"on to the person their left and they then tell their story.
• When it gets to the first speaker again, start with the second prompt. Remember don't rush it- make it a rich personal and emotive story
• When you have run through the three cycles, then all members "check out" with the same thumbs up.
• The facilitator uploads the audio recording onto slack
• Now you can all go home