Topic 3.1 Considerations when using participatory methodologies and techniques

They require more time and resources than traditional methods. However, the time and resources invested are more satisfactory

The participatory process does not happen automatically, because each group is different. Adequate facilitators are required, certain rules agreed by the group, taking into account the development of each member and the group, and that conflicts are experienced as part of the maturation and learning process.

It is not easy to achieve a balanced participation with different personalities and roles. That is why the figure of the moderator or facilitator is so important and the application of participatory techniques that seek to ensure horizontality is so interesting.
The creation of an ideal environment for participation is subject to a set of factors that depend on each other, and that must be properly combined and complemented: facilitators, didactic materials, logistics, state of the group, successes or failures of the group…That is why it is so important to ensure that the group takes control of the process, generate a climate of trust and communication…in this way, the entire group assumes responsibility for the process and jointly seeks solutions or alternatives.

They must be thought based on the group, its characteristics, the objectives pursued and, of course, submit them to a final analysis with the participants:
- What do we think about what we saw (visual techniques), heard (auditory techniques) and experienced (experiential techniques)?
- What relationship does this have with our reality, with our community, etc.?
- What does this teach us? (conclusions)