world+cafe

//Informal knowledge sharing around the table//
 * KNOWLEDGE CAFE/ ROUND TABLE SESSIONS**


 * What it is**
 * Informal discussions around tables. Groups rotate from one table/topic to the other with a host to facilitate discussions.
 * An activity designed to spread ideas and expand insights through sharing knowledge and experience.
 * Open and creative dialogue is encouraged in an informal "café-type" environment.
 * Each round allows participants to rotate tables, creating a web of collective knowledge around the chosen subject matter.
 * This method assumes that people themselves are sources of wisdom, and that creating a constructive context around a table can bring valuable ideas and lessons to the surface.


 * When to use it**


 * To evoke collective knowledge within a group of at least 12 experienced participants.
 * To engage in collaborative problem-solving that cuts across standard constraints.
 * To discover new insights than with traditional panel presentations, due to its participatory nature.
 * To generate meaningful interaction by limiting hierarchical distinctions.


 * How it is applied**


 * Identify the purpose, establish the parameters and prepare the room before the session in order to ensure that the Knowledge Café will foster creative discourse while remaining focused on the subject.
 * Design questions that are thought-provoking. A good question may have many answers and will allow the participants to examine the issue in all its complexity. See the "How to adapt it" section below for ideas on dealing with the questions.
 * The ideal number of participants per table is 4 to 6. Any more will stifle the opportunities to contribute, and any less will reduce the amount of experience that is shared.
 * Cover the tables with flip-charts or brown paper and constantly encourage participants to take notes, doodle or create diagrams directly on the table.
 * Instruct the participants to focus on key points that relate to the questions and to contribute their own thoughts and ideas regularly. They should also listen actively for interesting connections, patterns or additional questions.
 * Each table should nominate a host, who will stay at the table throughout the exercise to provide an overview for the next group and steer them towards complementary thought processes in order to avoid repetition.
 * Each round of conversation should last approximately 15 to 30 minutes. As the ‘ambassadors of meaning’, all but one of the participants (the host) move to the next table.
 * It is not necessary for all participants to spend time at each table because after a few rounds (typically 2 or 3, depending on the time allocated) the session closes with a debriefing.
 * The host of each table presents a synthesis and key reflection points to the entire group of participants either from the table itself, or back in plenary, whichever makes sense for the room set-up and size.
 * Allow time for the other participants to add interesting points or further lessons learned after the debriefing by table hosts.
 * Capture key learning points on a flip-chart, a supporting note and/or on-line record for future reference.


 * What to consider**
 * Be sure to provide a minimum of 60 minutes and no more than 3 hours for the Knowledge Café, to ensure that the questions are thoroughly examined and to avoid boredom and repetition.
 * Further questions that deepen the analysis of the subject can be posed to the tables during the last round of conversation. Make sure that the questions are complementary and relevant.


 * How to adapt it**
 * How the questions are assigned to tables will depend on the objectives of the exercise. Telling each table to deal with different aspects of a problem, or providing diverse case studies to each table are just two approaches.
 * The exercise can be re-named for different purposes. Appropriate formulation of table questions and learning objectives can create a strategy café, discovery café, world café or various other forums that connect participants. If the context requires a more formal name, the activity can also be called "rotating round table sessions".
 * Divide the groups into homogeneous tables if there is diversity in language, opinion, interest, geographic or demographic situation that may hinder the exchange process.

introduction to method and objectives (15 minutes) round 1 of discussion (20 minutes) round 2 of discussion (20 minutes) round 3 of discussion (20 minutes) collective debriefing (15 minutes)
 * Timing** (Approximately 1h30)

- large pieces of blank brown paper to cover the round tables - markers for each table - visual instructions of the method (on powerpoint or print out) - music to indicate the rotation of table
 * What you will need**


 * Where to learn more**

More information about the design of a World Cafe: [] “The Change Handbook”, P. Holman, T. Devane and S. Cady, pp. 179-194. A World Café hosting guide: [] World Café images and examples from the World Bank: [] Video all about the World Café from the creators: []


 * Quotes **

"The world café allowed us to go to the heart of the subject within a limited amount of time. Another good feature was that the moderator briefed the subsequent group so that there would be no repetition. This allowed us to provide new ideas and insights on the subject, building on the previous ones." (Darka Topali)