Learning objective/Rationale: Looking at the positive aspects of a ‘negative’ experience helps individuals shift their perspectives. Sharing experiences, people develop deeper relationships, and group bonding is promoted.
Description of the method/nr. of persons of the group for which the method is suitable: Participants form groups of at least two people who have shared any kind of experience – for example working on a project together at school, at the university or at work. Step 1 One person shares an experience from working together that was negative for him/her. Step 2 After this, a second person reflects on the same experience, but instead focuses on the positive aspects of the experience (which is the ‘silver lining’). Then this same person shares a negative experience of their own, and this time it is up to the person n. 1 to focus on its positive aspects.
Time: Around 15 minutes
Questions for discussion:
- Do you usually focus on the positive aspects of your work or personal negative experience?
- Do you think people learn from the negative experience?
- How did this activity make you feel?
Source: VIVA Erasmus+ project