Go for a Gallery Tour – A Technique

‘Take 20 minutes to move around the room with a partner …’ Those words can be music to the ears of many learners when we have been sitting for a long-time training or they have been in a multi-day event. 

So why don’t we see this technique used much? Why do we feel we need to stay in the training space and can only use other spaces during breaks and down time? Why do we keep people in their seats so much when we know they are getting tired and distracted?

Consider using the technique: Gallery Tour*.

Why it May be a Good Idea

This technique is appreciated by most participants for the following reasons:

• It usually involves all learning preferences. If done in pairs or small groups, everyone is invited to move (kinesthetic), speak (auditory) and see (visual).
• It is energizing. Without taking a break, everyone is moving. This can be especially helpful when energy is low, or a group has been sitting for some time.
• It offers more space. Space at tables and chairs can be limiting. Adding stations around the room can open (physical and psychological) space to work and innovate. 

How it Works

There are many ways to use this technique. Here is a general description:

• Spread information around the room. by you or the group – on walls, flip chart stands or at tables.
• Offer enough time to engage in a meaningful way. A minimum of 5 minutes before moving or moving when they wish within a larger length of time.
• Move around to the stations or tables. We recommend moving with equal sized groups.
• Debrief while standing. This will help to keep the energy up.

What Can You Use

There is no limit to what you can offer or invite at stations. Here are a few:

• New content. You can teach pieces of a model or theory by posting it around the room; we suggest 3-6 pieces of content.
• Scenarios. After learning a new model or process, participants can offer ideas in scenarios by posting on sticky notes or adding to sheets of paper.
• Drawing. Drawings around ideas, history or hopes can be posted, reviewed in silence and debriefed while standing.
• Definitions. Participants can draft a definition or description of something, post them on a blank wall to share and debrief.
• Sculptures. It is important to visit all sculptures at each table or one common location (if stable) to consider what is offered.
• Images. A collection of images can be posted around the room to inspire response, symbolize something, or evoke emotion. The invitation for which image to visit should be clear.
• Data. This a great way to review and weigh in on charts, graphs and other visualized data. Post a question or two beside the data, and the dialogue will flow.
• Strategic objectives. Scattering the objectives around the room and inviting groups to offer celebrations and concerns can be a helpful way to collect input.

Tips for Success

There are so many ways to do this, and you can hardly go wrong. However, here are a few tips to keep in mind:

• Clarify the desired groups size. Often you will want to have equal numbers at each station to help ensure dialogue. If you have many stations, start off some empty instead of spreading out to smaller groups..
• Clarify if going solo is an option. Some individuals may appreciate the opportunity to move in silent reflection, especially if there has been a lot of pair and small group dialogue in the day.
• Determine how the time will be used. There can be one total amount of time or a specific amount of time at each station.
• Have a noise maker. A soft bell or singing bowl is usually a gentle yet clear way to alert people they need to room to the next station.
• Move everyone in the same direction. This will keep groups a consistent size in each rotation.
• Prepare the stations (if they are yours) in advance. Doing this during a break is often best.
• Prepare the walls (if individuals are hanging their own work). Pieces of tape on the walls ready to use, can help expediate posting.
• Prepare materials. Having dot stickers, sticky notes, and markets in table baskets can help everyone start to work right way.

Gallery Tours are usually energizing, connect participants to each other and the content, and help to focus the work. Give it a try, sit back and watch the magic!

*We at GLP prefer not to use the term ‘Gallery Walk’. This assumes individuals are able-bodied and that walking is possible. Instead, we now use the term ‘Gallery Tour’.