Back-to-Back Drawing is a participatory activity where participants work in pairs seated back-to-back. One member describes an image in front of them, while the other tries to reproduce it without seeing it. It is an excellent activity for developing communication skills, active listening, and questioning.
Preparation
- Define the purpose:
- Encourage clear and effective communication between participants.
- Develop active listening skills and the ability to ask clarifying questions.
- Explore the importance of detail in communication.
- Prepare the materials:
- Simple, clear images (geometric drawings, basic landscapes, or abstract shapes).
- Blank paper and pencils or pens for each participant.
- Chairs arranged in pairs, placed back-to-back.
- Set up the space:
- Make sure there is enough space for pairs to sit comfortably back-to-back.
- Provide an area where participants can place their drawings afterward for comparison.
- To run the activity virtually:
- Use collaborative platforms to share the image with one participant while the other draws it on a digital whiteboard or on paper, showing the result on camera.
- Encourage the use of microphones to ensure clear and effective communication during the activity.
Step-by-step instructions
- Forming pairs
- Divide participants into pairs and ask them to sit back-to-back.
- Distribute materials
- Give an image to one member of each pair, making sure the other does not see it.
- Provide paper and a pencil to the participant who will be drawing.
- Start the activity
- The participant with the image begins describing it to their partner using clear and detailed language.
- The partner tries to draw the image based solely on the description they receive.
- Compare results
- Once the drawings are complete, ask each pair to compare the drawing with the original image.
- Invite the pairs to reflect on which aspects of communication were effective and what could be improved.
Themes for “Back-to-Back Drawing” images based on specific goals
- Teamwork: Objects that require collaboration to describe, such as a puzzle or a set of tools.
- Attention to detail: Images with manageable but complex patterns, like mosaics or geometric figures.
- Conflict resolution: Abstract representations of human interaction, such as two figures trying to reach a common goal.
- Innovation and creativity: Imaginary or unreal objects, like a floating castle or a fictional animal.
- Interpersonal communication: Everyday scenarios such as a dining table with specific elements or an office meeting scene.
- Organizational development: Basic process diagrams like a production chain or a simplified workflow.
- Technical learning: Diagrams of simple machines or schematic representations of technical objects.
- Cultural inclusion: Cultural elements from different parts of the world, such as a pagoda, an igloo, or a pyramid.
- Emotional education: Images that express basic emotions, like a happy face or a worried expression.
- Strategic thinking: Scenarios involving planning, such as a treasure map or a simplified city plan.
Questions related to questioning and comprehension skills
Open-ended questions (to describe and explore)
- How would you describe the main shape of the image?
- What specific details would you highlight first?
- What relationship do you see between the different elements of the image?
- How do you think these elements interact with each other?
- What words would you use to explain the texture or size?
Closed-ended questions (to confirm information)
- Is it a round object?
- Does it have straight or curved lines?
- Is the object in the center of the image?
- Does the image have more than three elements?
- Is it something that could move or remain fixed?
Comprehension checks
- Can you repeat how you described the object?
- This is what I understood: the object has a square base and a rounded top—is that right?
- Do you think I missed any details in my description?
- Could you give me an example that helps clarify what you’re describing?
- Which part of my drawing seems furthest from what you’re describing?
These lists offer a framework to adapt the activity to the group’s specific objectives, whether to strengthen communication, question ideas, or verify understanding in a collaborative way.
