Materials
- Copies of The Form (as per instructions).
- Green-and-white index cards (for select participants).
- Flip chart or blackboard.
Preparation
- Prepare enough copies of The Form for all participants.
- Draw green magic marker lines on the 3×5 index cards.
- Set up the space with a flip chart or blackboard for discussion.
Handout:
The Form: A printed document for each participant to complete during the exercise.
Exercise
– Distribute the materials (The form and green and white cards for selected participants)
– Read out the rules to make sure everyone understands the task and the restrictions.
– Give participants three minutes to fill in the form without asking questions.
– After the activity, gather participants for a debriefing session. Write responses on the flip chart and guide the discussion with the following questions:
- How did you feel about the instructions and the task?
- How did your cultural background influence your approach?
- What was confusing about the Moslem calendar or the idea of writing from right to left?
- How did you cope with the task (e.g., holding the paper to the light, writing from left to right, giving up)?
- How can this experience relate to leadership or teaching in diverse environments?
Debriefing
- Lead a reflective discussion on how cultural conditioning affects decision-making and problem-solving.
- Emphasize the need for cultural awareness in leadership, education, and interactions with diverse groups.
Possible responses
- Participants may describe feeling frustrated, confused, or challenged by writing from right to left.
- Some may express discomfort with the unfamiliarity of the Moslem calendar or struggle to follow the strict instructions.
- Some may feel surprised by the diverse ways participants coped with the task (e.g., using the light or abandoning the task).
