Broken Squares (online version)

• To establish a clear and shared understanding of the objectives of the task at hand
• To recognise that participation & cooperation by all members of a team are essential to attain team & individual goals
• To understand the value of offering ‘input’ into a group without the expectation of reciprocal giving (one of the basic principles of effective negotiation)
• To be aware of the difficulties created when normal channels of communication are restricted
• To be open to an exploration of different solutions in problem-solving
• To practise behaviours associated with interdependent teamworking

RSVP Design’s virtual version of Broken Squares is based on the physical Broken Squares game invented by Dr. Alex Bavelas (1973). This is a challenging task - perhaps because there is often a focus on individual contribution over team contribution in many workplaces? Or perhaps because it is so different from conventional group task behaviour yet so necessary for successful cooperative learning?

Virtual participants need to use problem solving skills collaboratively without any verbal or written communication, and use their mouse, touchscreen or other input device to manipulate shapes on their desktop, lap-top or large tablet device screen. This activity is not suitable to use on a smartphone device as the screen size is too small.

Participants access all the assets they need via the secure experientiallearningtools.com platform domain (which can be easily whitelisted if required) and there is no need to download any software. The links simply open a browser window which can then work alongside any preferred video-conferencing or Meetings software such as MS Teams, Zoom etc.

The facilitator accesses the platform in advance to set up groups of up to four participants (with an additional observer if required). When ready to start, the platform will automatically allocate each participant with some of the 21 shapes (the same shapes as per RSVP Design’s physical Broken Squares version). When the activity begins each participant will operate between 1 or 2 quadrants of the screen and be able to move shapes from their quadrant to another one  using their mouse, touchscreen or other input device.

Task success is only achieved when each participant finishes with a square of the same size in their quadrant, and uses all the pieces issued at the beginning of the task.

An additional rule is that no participant may take or request a piece, they can only pass a piece to another participant by dropping it in their quadrant (and the piece will be unconditionally accepted).

Delivery

Following receipt of your order you will receive an email to the email address used to purchase this online product. This email will provide further details on accessing your product via the login area of the online experiential learning tools platform (experientiallearningtools.com).

This email will typically be sent the same working day if the order is received by 14.00 local time. If your access instructions have not been received please email [email protected] or call +44 141 561 0387.

Returns

Should you decide on inspection and access of the full product that you wish to return the product, this can be done within 7 x days for a full refund, provided it has not been used for any type of commercial activity. This would include using the product in training or learning events for internal staff or external clients. Please email your intention to cancel the product order to [email protected] or call +44 141 561 0387.