Broken Squares

• To establish a clear and shared understanding of the objectives of the task at hand
• To recognise that participation & co-operation 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 version of Broken Squares is based on the 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?

Participants need to use problem solving skills collaboratively without any verbal or written communication.

Spit into groups of exactly four participants (with additional observers if required) each participant is provided with some plastic pieces, and typically seated facing inwards on four sides of a square table.

Success in this task is achieved when each person finishes with a square of the same size in front of them, and all the pieces issued at the beginning of the task are used.

An additional rule is that no participant may take or request a piece, they can only pass a piece to another participant (and the piece must be unconditionally accepted).

This full Broken Squares activity materials pack is also bundled with Hollow Square in the discounted Learning Squared package.

Delivery

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Returns

We provide a 12 month unconditional guarantee. If you have any problems with our materials, we will replace any defective parts, or you can return the unopened/unused product for a full product refund.