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TRAMP – Transnational Mobility of Older People in Europe
138 Part II
Method: Introduction round “I am ... and who are you”
Goals / Options:
Spending a week together without an introductory round is unthinkable. Depending on
the time available, different methods can be selected. It is important that every participant
has the opportunity to speak and receive information about other participants.
Introductory rounds with larger groups bear some exceptional features. It is almost impossible
for each person to introduce himself/herself individually, particularly since timeconsuming
interpretations into two other languages are needed. Even if there is enough
time, it is expecting too much from participants to listen and attempt to remember each
participant’s name. Therefore the option described below suggests how participants can
get into direct contact with each other while maintaining a relaxed atmosphere.
Brief description:
During the preparation stage, profiles of all participants are created according to a given
structure. The copies everyone receives contain all the languages of the exchange. That
way participants can already familiarise themselves with words and phrases of the other
language. The organisation team collects all profiles and arranges them in groups according
to different criteria. These could include: similar hobbies, same favourite colours,
similar background (town, village), same or similar profession, common language, etc.
Upon arrival, each person either receives the names or individual details of people in the
same group or is requested to find these and form smaller groups. As soon as the groups
are found, they each prepare a joint presentation for the overall group with only one
spokesperson per group.
Alternative for detectives: the profiles are anonymous. Each participant receives a profile
and has to find the unknown person. When opting for this alternative, it should be taken
into account that participants may be absent at short notice and their profiles need to be
singled out.
Alternative that requires less time: No profiles are created beforehand, guests form coincidental
groups upon arrival and, following a brief information exchange, present themselves
to the plenum.
To be determined beforehand:
• Group/pair options:
• Allocation of numbers upon arrival
• Preparation of several flip charts with first sentence lines (in all languages!). Participants
allocate themselves to a specific flip chart.
• Name tags of all participants are placed in a large basket, every participant takes one
card/tag each (suitable for smaller groups)
Starting point: Opening event
Timeframe: 30 minutes
Group size: up to 50
Group composition: intercultural
Necessary materials: profiles