Snowball procedure

The snowball procedure (often also known as a snow avalanche , focus or growing group ) is a group moderation procedure.

Basic idea

Reduction of many suggestions, opinions, etc. on a topic by successively doubling the number of participants with the same number of proposed solutions.

execution

1. Method and procedure are explained in the plenary session.

2. The given topic is worked on individually in individual work by noting the most important aspects (e.g. default: 4 suggestions). (approx. 10 min.)

3. Tandems are formed.

4. The participants discuss and agree in partner work (for example, table neighbors) on a given number of focal points (4 favorites are selected from the total of 8 suggestions). (approx. 10 min.)

5. Then there are two pairs each. They discuss their suggestions and again set a predetermined number of points (for example a total of 4 favorites). (approx. 15 min.)

6. The groups are combined again and thus enlarged. There are again four suggestions for discussion in the group. Again, the group should agree on 4 points.

7. Finally, the results of the discussion are presented in the plenary.

Methodical suggestions

The method is well suited to focus problems, ideas, possible solutions etc. and to reduce the multitude of opinions. It serves as a preparation for matches after collecting ideas such as brainstorming , brainwriting , method 635 .

Instead of moderation cards, the 4 suggestions can also be written on a DIN A4 sheet of paper. After agreeing on 4 common suggestions, these are written on a new, differently colored piece of paper, which is taken to the next discussion round. Individual suggestions can be reformulated with the consent of the idea provider.

The snowball process should not be confused with the snowball system (direct marketing).

Hints

With larger numbers of participants, it makes sense to increase the number of suggestions in the last group formation (in the given example to 6). Under certain circumstances, it could take a relatively long time for 8 participants to agree on 4 out of 8 proposals.

Points of focus for further work from the remaining proposals can be determined using the point query method, for example .

Snow avalanche is an excellent method if it is to be achieved that almost all participants identify with the result.

source

Dierenbach, Ralf E .: with methods - moderate, present, teach more effectively. The method handbook from A - Z. [1] futurelearning , Schönau im Schwarzwald 2004, ISBN 3-00-013311-9 ; Pages 299 + 300