Conversation Map® Process
The Conversation Map tool uses several components to support the learning process. They include:
- The Conversation Map Visual — This tool creates a common mental model or picture for all participants to learn from and discuss. It is a 3x5-ft colorful picture that the group will focus on and work through during the session.
- The Conversation Questions — The conversation questions are read by the facilitator and serve as the “instructions” for the Map session. Although the conversation questions have been focus-group tested to ensure that certain learning goals are achieved, they are intended to be flexible so that all types of groups can navigate the process and benefit from it. The conversation questions prompt the participants to discuss various topics throughout the session.
- The Discussion Cards — Discussion cards are used to bring additional information to the sessions. They have a gamelike feel and help engage participants in the learning process.
- The Group (participants) — Conversation Map tools are designed to be used with groups of 3 to 10 participants. This provides enough participants to learn from one another, but not too many that it becomes a real challenge to facilitate. Everyone should be able to learn from the process and participate in the learning and the doing.
- The Facilitator — The facilitator’s role is not like that of a typical lecturer or teacher. In the Conversation Map process, the facilitator uses the structured materials to guide the group conversation and engage participants in exploration and learning.
These sessions are designed to be fun, interactive, engaging, and full of learning no matter who participates. The facilitator’s role is to create a nonthreatening environment in which participants can learn from the materials presented, from one another, and from the facilitator.
- Action Plan — An important aspect of the Conversation Map process is providing participants with a process by which they can plan changes in their decision making and behaviors. In some cases the action plan is robust; in other it provides a starting point from which participants can experiment.
