Copy Me
A makes something and says step by step what A is doing; B sits turned away and copies from the words alone. Then side by side: which instruction was right, which too vague? Next round the roles swap.
Time
2–3 min
Form
In pairs
Phase
Activate · Process
Materials
Own materials
Step-by-step instructions
3 steps · 2–3 min
- Form pairs — 60 seconds
Form pairs and agree who is A and who is B. Both take pen and paper; B will turn away in a moment. - Make and tell — 90 seconds
A makes something — a drawing, a construction — and says step by step what A is doing: where, how big, which way. B sits turned away and copies from the words alone. By default B only listens; in the settings you can let B ask back. - Side by side — 60 seconds
Put the two side by side. Point to one instruction that was exactly right and one that was too vague, and say how it could have been better.
Tips for the facilitator
Giving clear instructions and following them
B cannot look — only words guide
Language precision or post-task reflection
You hear where the wording fails
A task or material that can be reproduced based on instructions: a drawing, diagram, sequence of actions, mathematical notation, and so on.
Number of rounds — configure this in the settings (use an even number so that A and B have the same number of rounds).
Time per round — configure this in the settings (default 90 seconds; includes both execution and instructions together).
More time per round: for more complex tasks or if participants are not yet used to formulating instructions.
With a debrief: the pair analyses what was unclear in the instructions and how it could have been expressed more precisely.
With drawing: A draws a figure or diagram and describes it — B reproduces it based on words alone.
With mathematics: A solves a problem and explains each step — B writes it down based on the instructions.
Mathematics: explain the steps of solving a problem or constructing a figure.
Technology / craft: describe a sequence of actions in a production process.
Geography: describe the location of objects on a map.
Training and teams: an exercise in communication precision and active listening.
The activity is based on the classic communication training exercise — «describe without showing». Develops metacognitive skills: awareness of how precisely we formulate our thoughts.
Pairs well with
Log in to leave a comment.
No comments yet. Be the first!