methods

**Methods**
Methods and group processes to facilitate knowledge sharing in a participatory manner.

KM self-assessment

This method allows you to assess where your section, field presence, group or organisation is on knowledge management. It creates a common ground to discuss knowledge management issues.

After Action Review

A fast and participatory review method that provides structure to reflection processes performed in small groups. Four leading questions guide objective evaluations of immediately after activities in order to identify next steps and examine on outcomes.

Innovative brainstorming Quick, easy and inclusive method to capture a large quantity of creative ideas. These may define concepts, identify consequences or address challenges. It is an effective means to overcome obstacles in thinking processes.

Fish Bowl

Challenging, active and participatory method for the facilitation of dialogue between experts. This alternative to traditional debates or presentations is often used as a substitute for panels because the hierarchical divisions are reduced and participants can engage easily with the experts.

Jigsaw Cooperative learning strategy to review information and understand first the small parts of a larger scenario to then move to the bigger picture. After understanding a specific element, such as an actor, process or case, participants present their findings to each other in order to collectively gain perspective on a larger complex system or subject.

Knowledge Fair Participatory event for sharing knowledge and promoting innovative ideas and practices. Excellent platform to empower individuals and small organizations, as well as establish networks around a central theme. Can generate high volume of otherwise hard-to-reach information and resources.

Open Space

Facilitated participatory creation of an agenda to examine the most relevant issues in groups of any size. All can propose items for discussion. The agenda is built collaboratively.

Peer Assist Participatory method for peer learning on specific cases, experiences and challenges. Participants perform collaborative analysis to provide feedback for the issues presented. Tacit knowledge and best practices are exchanged to assist a peer in an activity or challenge.

**Sociometrics **

Method to illustrate and measure social systems and dynamics. Can spread awareness of interconnections, foster enhanced networks, help manage conflict and create a collaborative working environment. Often used as ice-breakers because many varieties creative active and fun introductory exercises.

Storytelling

Captivating method for sharing knowledge. The highly relatable presentation of an authentic experience encourages active listening and memory retention. It also may convey key lessons, values, and nuances that are not always obvious in static document styles. Can promote team building, but is not suitable for routine situations.

SWOT Analysis This method examines the Strengths, Weaknesses, Opportunities and Threats relating to a situation or an activity. This method is an assessment tool to identify and address influential factors. It is used in the context of strategic planning and organizational development.

**Thinking Hats ** Method for critical analysis of complex situations from a variety of perspectives. Can help create awareness, minimize confrontation, illustrate diversity and construct accurate definitions regarding cases or challenges. This is a challenging participatory exercise suitable for controversial, multi-dimensional subject matters.

Timelines Method used to visually illustrate the progression of programmes, institutions and/or ideas highlighting historical milestones and complex developments in a schematic manner.

Top 100 Lists A simple and dynamic method for capturing a large quantity of quality ideas. Whether it is used to break the ice or brainstorm solutions, this method will surprise users about their own creative capacity. It forces thinking and can activate past learning.

Knowledge Café

Open and creative dialogue is encouraged through this method designed to share experiences and insights. Moving in rotations through several working groups evokes a collective knowledge and cross-fertilization that is capable of illustrating new ideas and solving problems.

Social network analysis Social networks are nodes of individuals, groups, organisations or related systems which are connected one another. Social network analysis maps these connections and visualizes formal and informal connections and knowledge flows between people, groups and organisations

Most significant change Most significant change is a qualitative and participatory method for monitoring and evaluation. It helps you to monitor and evaluate the performance of your activities by involving participatory collection of stories that reflect significant change resulting from your work.

Community of practice (CoP) A CoP is a networked group of people who share a specific area of work, interest, passion in a knowledge domain. This method helps you to set up a specialised network where colleagues can learn, share and collaborate with each other in this specific knowledge domain.

Appreciative inquiry Appreciative inquiry is a process to facilitate positive change in organisations. Every organization has somehting that works well. Based on this assumption the method introduces an approach to generate organisational development and improved performance.

Envisioning the future Method to collectively envisage future scenarios building on positive assumptions and creative thinking. A very constructive tool to develop a vision and plan with potential to motivate and inspire those participating in the exercise.

How-to guides How-to-guides are practical guides that give you step-by-step operational guidelines to accomplish a specific task, assignment or project within a specific area of work.

//The Human Rights Treaties Division retreat used four different tools from the Share, Learn, Innovate! toolkit (icebreaker-sociometrics; brainwriting; world café and an envisioning exercise). This in my view totally changed the dynamics of the group. Everybody participated, there was a lot of fun. We had 'traditional' retreats before but this format definitely lifted the spirits and generated a few new creative ideas on how the treaty bodies could be strengthened. // (Christina Meinecke)