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Grow and Glow

This activity provides an ongoing, iterative feedback mechanism to identify what's working well ("Glow") and what needs improvement ("Grow") during a workshop or training session.

Rationale​

This activity is based on the principles of iterative feedback and psychological safety. By collecting anonymous feedback at regular intervals, you, the facilitator, can make immediate, data-driven adjustments to the workshop, demonstrating responsiveness and respect for the participants' experience. This continuous loop empowers participants to co-create the learning environment and ensures the session remains relevant and effective from start to finish. The "Glow" component reinforces successful methods, while the "Grow" component provides actionable opportunities for improvement.

Preparation Checklist​

  • Print "Grow and Glow" feedback cards (at least 3-5 per participant).
  • Prepare a designated feedback collection area (e.g., a box or table at the back of the room).
  • Mark 3-5 feedback collection points in your facilitator agenda (e.g., after modules, before breaks).
  • Prepare a simple tracking sheet to log recurring feedback themes.
  • Prepare a sample "Grow and Glow" card with specific, actionable examples to show participants.

Implementation Steps​

  1. Introduce the Activity: At the start of the workshop, explain the method. Say, "Throughout today's workshop, we'll use the Grow and Glow method to collect your feedback in real-time."
  2. Define the Terms: Clearly define Glow ("What's working well and helping you learn?") and Grow ("What could be improved to enhance your experience?").
  3. Set Expectations: Explain that feedback is anonymous and that you will use it to make immediate adjustments. This builds trust and encourages honest participation.
  4. Demonstrate: Show the pre-filled example card to guide participants on providing specific, actionable feedback.
  5. Announce a Collection Point: At a pre-determined time, announce the feedback session. Say, "We're now going to take 5 minutes for a quick Grow and Glow feedback session."
  6. Distribute and Instruct: Hand out the feedback cards. Instruct participants: "Please write one specific 'Glow' and one specific 'Grow.' Focus on the workshop content and delivery."
  7. Collect Feedback: Have participants place the completed cards in the designated collection area.
  8. Process Feedback: During a short break, quickly review and group the cards. Identify 1-2 actionable changes, positive themes to reinforce, and any issues that need acknowledgment.
  9. Respond to the Group: Before starting the next module, thank the participants. Address the feedback by saying, for example: "Based on your feedback, we're going to adjust the pace. Many of you also appreciated the practical examples, so we'll continue with that approach."
  10. Repeat the Cycle: Repeat steps 5-9 at the designated points in your agenda.

Common Challenges and Solutions​

Challenge / Feedback ThemeProposed Solution / Response
"The pace is too fast/slow."Acknowledge the feedback and adjust the speed. Check for comprehension more frequently or introduce an advanced topic.
"We need more examples."Prepare extra examples in advance. Say, "That's a great point. Here is another example to clarify the concept."
Conflicting FeedbackAcknowledge both perspectives. Say, "Thank you. It's clear we have different learning needs, and I will do my best to balance them."
Vague Feedback ("It's boring.")If feedback is not anonymous, ask for clarification. If anonymous, state: "I'd love to get more specific ideas on this."
Feedback You Can't AddressAcknowledge the constraint transparently. Say, "Thank you for this feedback. Unfortunately, we can't change X due to Y, but we can do Z."

Materials​

Required Materials​

  • "Grow and Glow" Feedback Cards: See template below.
  • Pens or markers for participants.
  • A collection box or container to ensure anonymity.

Feedback Card Template​

------------------------------------------
| PAIR PROGRAMMING WORKSHOP FEEDBACK     |
| Module: _____________________________  |
|                                        |
| GLOW (What's helping you learn?):      |
| _______________________________________|
|                                        |
| GROW (What would improve this for you?):|
| _______________________________________|
------------------------------------------

Optional Materials​

  • Facilitator's Tracking Sheet: A simple sheet with columns for "Glow," "Grow," and "Action Taken" to help you identify patterns.

Debriefing & Follow-up​

Use these questions and steps at the end of the workshop to solidify the meta-learning about the feedback process itself.

Debriefing Questions​

  • "How did the regular feedback opportunities affect your learning experience today?"
  • "What changes did you observe in the workshop as a result of the collective feedback?"
  • "How might you apply a 'Grow and Glow' approach, or a similar rapid feedback model, in your own teams?"

After the Workshop​

  1. Compile all feedback cards and review your tracking sheet.
  2. Identify patterns to improve the design of future workshops.
  3. Update your facilitator guide with insights on which adjustments were most effective.

Source​

This activity is a widely used agile and facilitation technique, popularized by the book Agile Retrospectives: Making Good Teams Great by Esther Derby and Diana Larsen.