Introduction to UHU Interactive Learning Workshop

Author: Rakhal
University of Human Unity

University of Human Unity
Interactive workshop

10/27/2007

1. Aim
The aim of this workshop is to experience other ways of learning from one another, in a wide group of participants, in the perspective of the UHU program.

The main emphasis is on interaction of individuals within small groups followed by a consolidation of the results in the whole group.

2. Point of attention
The process is as important as the content.
The quality of interaction is the first condition; it depends on the commitment and sincerity of participants.The second most determining factor is the quality of feedback and exchange in the whole group;

3. Modality.
The total allocated time of 75 minutes divided into three periods:

1. During 15 minutes,
The facilitators (Rakhal & Dhanya) give necessary information to the participants so that:

    • They understand the aims and how they can relate to them.

    • They understand how the workshop will proceed, and What is expected from them

Questions to be answered and discussed are communicated to the participants and each one who wants to speak chooses one of them to concentrate on

  • What would you like UHU to become?

  • What is the relationship between UHU and Integral yoga

  • What is the relationship between UHU and the charter of Auroville?

Groups of five participants are formed:

  • Three speakers who choose the same question to answer,

  • One facilitator/time keeper, and

  • One reporter observing and keeping track of what is being said which he will report back to the full meeting.

An instructions reminder is given on paper to them.

2. For the next 30 minutes,
the small group production takes place.

  • One after the other each of the three speakers develops their views on the question they have chosen. Each one has 5 minutes to express.

  • The remaining time is left to the group to look for a synthesis which combines the different views expressed. Even if some views are far apart. The facilitator can take an active part in the discussion.

  1. During the remaining 30 minutes
    the whole group forms again and each reporter presents the results of what has been said and discussed:

      • The views expressed

      • The relative positions of each of them and the process engaged to reach a synthesis

      • The synthesis if any has been reached and all that has been achieved in terms of widening oneself and comprehension of opposite points of view

      • The behaviors, non verbal expression, emotions, atmosphere, etc.

Time allocation for each reporter will be calculated precisely once we know how many people will be participating in this session

4. Helping the work process through guide lines from Mother

“If the growth of consciousness were considered as the principal goal of life, many difficulties would find their solution.”

And here you have truly made progress!

“For instance, you are with someone. This person tells you something, you tell him the contrary (as it usually happens, simply through a spirit of contradiction) and you begin arguing. Naturally, you will never come to any point, except a quarrel if you are ill-natured. But instead of doing that, instead of remaining in your own little ideas or your own words, if you tell yourself: "Wait a little, I am going to try and see why he said that to me. Yes, why did he say that?" And you concentrate: "Why, why, why?" You stand there, just like that, trying. The other person continues speaking, doesn't he?--and is very happy too, for you don't contradict him any longer! He talks profusely and is sure he has convinced you. Then you concentrate more and more on what he is saying, and with the feeling that gradually, through his words, you are entering his mind. When you enter his head, suddenly you enter his way of thinking, and next, just imagine, you understand why he is speaking to you thus! And then, if you have a fairly swift intelligence and put what you have just come to understand alongside what you had known before, you have the two ways together, and so can find the truth reconciling both. And here you have truly made progress. And this is the best way of widening one's thought.”

“To learn is good. To become is better”

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