Implementation of "Interaction Method"

"Implementation of 'Interaction Method'" is an initiative project of IFMSA. It aims to strengthen the IFMSA by making its small groups' meeting more productive by systematic application of th "Interaction Method".

News

Please read the mid term report June 2004 and mid term report Feburary 2004 (pdf format) of the project coordinator.

Collaboration

The project is alway open for collaboration. Currently, we are seeking parners among IFMSA's NMOs and among other student organization. We are also looking forward to collaborate with sponsors interested in advertising through IFMSA's network.

Please contact Benjamin Geisler, Project Coordinator

What is the "Interaction Method"?

The "Interaction Method" was developed by Michael Doyle and David Straus and firstly introduced to the public with the book "How to Make Meetings Work". It is based on fundamental research. "After attending and analyzing hundreds of meetings, we began to see that certain forces were common to all groups." From these rationales, studying the behavior of successful leaders and participants of meetings, and from cognitive psychology, group dynamics, organizational development, information processing, communications, and design methodology they concluded the concept of the "Interaction Method".

Fundamentals of the methodology include division of content and progress. Different roles such as a facilitator, a recorder, members of the group, and a leader/manager/chairperson are introduced or clarified. Indeed, much of the facilitated group's thoughts and instincts are made conscious. Repetition is avoided by a group memory and participation and commitment will drastically improve - as many examples have proved.

How can it be introduced to IFMSA?

In order to make "Interaction Method" sustainable, members of IFMSA will be trained by the Interaction Institute for Social Change ("Train-the-trainers"). We plan to educate two IFMSA trainers annually between the IFMSA March and August Meeting. These committed individuals would then provide free trainings to IFMSA and the national member organizations for a minimum of two years. The flow of Train-the-trainers education:

1. Attend and participate in "Essential Facilitation" training during 1st Executive Board Meeting
2. Trainers training by Interaction Institute for Social Change (non-profit chapter of Interaction Associates)
3. Supervision during the first two training sessions by older trainers.

IFMSA's wish to grow and foster its own organizational development is expressed by making "Implementation of 'Interaction Method'" an IFMSA initiative, i.e. one of its central projects.

Please click here for a flowchart.

Please click here for the complete methodlogy chapter.

Please click here for a time-and-task chart.

How can I learn more?

Executive Summary

On one page, find the essence of the project:

  Please click here for the Executive Summary (pdf, 83K).

Proposal

At regional partnership meetings training workshops will concentrate on initiative and capacity building skills. Regional partners will deal with local logistics and needs with IFMSA and external trainers providing training.

Please click here for the proposal (pdf, 605K).

Or read the proposal on the web:

Executive Summary

Introduction/Need Assesment

Program Goals and Objectives

Methodology

Time-and-task Chart

Evaluation and Dissemination

Appendix A: "Interaction Method" Chart

Appendix B: IFMSA

Appendix C: Interaction Associates/Interaction Institute for Social Change

Appendix D: List of Key Personnel

Appendix E: Bibliography

Appendix F: Letter of Support

Interaction Associates

For over 30 years, Interaction Associates have designed and delivered solutions in the areas of:

• Change Management
• Teamwork
• Coaching
• Leadership
• Facilitation
• Meeting Management

Interaction Associates have through its pioneering work in the field of facilitative communication methodology demonstrated that effective collaboration is key to overcoming roadblocks to success. They help create cultures which:

• Solve problems
• Reduce cycle times
• Build sustainability
• Enhance relationships
• Increase profitability
• Retain employees
• Work cross-functionally

Please click here to visit the website of Interaction Associates.

Interaction Institute for Social Change

Interaction Associates were the first firm of its kind to fund a non-profit institute: The Interaction Institute for Social Change (IISC).

Since 1993, the IISC has provided reduced-rate training, consulting and facilitation services to community leaders, non-governmental organizations (NGOs) and other not-for-profit groups that are committed to social justice and civic responsibility. Ten percent of Interaction Associates' annual profits are directed to the IISC, and the company's employees each commit ten days a year to community work.

IISC mission statement

Our mission is to transfer the skills and tools of collaboration to non-profit and community-based organizations who want to transform communities and to promote the spirit and practice of collaborative action by facilitating partnerships between corporations and low income groups

Please click here to visit the website of Interaction Institute for Social Change.

Contact

If you have further questions, do not hesitate to contact on of the following persons:

Benjamin Geisler, Project Coordinator

Ketil Widerberg, Project Consultant

Timothy Rittman, Training Director

Allan Buus Jensen, Training Direcor-elect

Hai Hua Chuang, Training Direcor-elect