Check-In

During a Check-In, which may be a routine way to start a session, everyone is given a limited time, say, 1 minute, to speak to a prompt given by the session leader. A participant can pass and be given a turn at the end. If someone finishes speaking well under the allotted time, the leader can repeat the prompt, which usually elicits from the participant interesting additional thoughts. The prompts need not be directly related to the agenda of the session—the important point is that every participant begins to participate and have their voice heard.

Examples of Prompts

“Something new and good since the last session. (It doesn't have to be about the project [course].)”

“Progress and insights gained since the last session. (Do not say what you did not do. Mention what you did do and share any insights you gained about getting the other things done from this point on.)”