Choosing the right Teaching Format does most of the heavy lifting.
But it’s not the whole job.
Once you’ve decided what kind of exercise you’re running,
the real work is in the facilitation details.
This is where workshops quietly succeed… or slowly fall apart.
Here’s the checklist that turns a good idea into a runnable exercise.
1. The prompt
What exactly are people supposed to do?
Not the topic.
Not the intention.
The task.
“Discuss this case, focus on X, and decide Y.”
If people hesitate, ask questions, or interpret it three different ways,
the prompt isn’t done yet.
2. Group size
Pairs?
Trios?
Small groups?
This choice matters more than it looks.
Pairs force everyone to talk.
Groups create more perspectives — and more hiding.
Choose based on what you want to surface.
3. Time limit
Every exercise needs a clock.
“Five minutes.”
Not “a few minutes.”
Not “when you’re done.”
A clear timebox keeps energy high and prevents overthinking.
4. Facilitation extras
What happens after the task?
Stand & share?
Group debrief?
Class discussion?
Your commentary?
Decide this upfront.
Otherwise you’ll improvise — and burn time.
5. Supporting materials
Does the exercise need support?
A case study?
A worksheet?
A visual reference?
If yes, decide the format early.
Slides aren’t always the best answer.
6. Total time (not just task time)
An exercise is never just the task.
You need to account for:
- Instructions
- Grouping
- The task itself
- Sharing
- Discussion
Five minutes of work easily becomes
10–15 minutes of real workshop time.
Plan accordingly.
Where this leaves you
Once exercises are added to your workshop outline,
you’re no longer sketching.
You have a complete workshop skeleton.
At this point, the structure is done.
You can already feel the rhythm of the session.
If two things are true, you’re in a very good place:
1. Teaching Formats match Learning Outcomes
2. Formats vary enough to keep energy alive
When that’s locked, you’re ready for the last step:
building the supporting materials.
Exercises first.
Slides last.
That order matters.
Thank you.
And Free Palestine.