Summing is an excellent communication technique. It is very useful in the training process. It is equally useful as a special tool for the mediators. From both these perspectives, a trainer has to weave the elements of ‘summing up ‘ in training, at every stage , in a methodical manner.
Following steps may be followed:
- Introduce and explain the concept.
- Give example/exercise/case history
- Explain the essential elements of the concept through the example/exercise
- Sum up : (i) A line about concept (ii) A line about example (iii) A line about where this concept would be applicable/ useful
ROLEPLAYS:
As a lead trainer playing the role of mediator always sum up what happened in each session.
- What were the main points discussed
- What were the concerns addressed
- What needs to be done in the next session.
As a coach:
Insist that at the end of every session the trainee mediator sums up what transpired in each session.
Insist that the trainee mediator gives a home work to the parties , in order to see to it that they attend the next session with preparation.
The contents of home work should be specified by the trainee mediator by way of summing up.
It would be better if at the end of the every session the notes of summary is made and preserved. This would avoid the participants repeating what all they had said in the earlier sessions.
“A fist is more than the sum of its fingers.”
Margaret Atwood-Canadian Poet novelist
(All copyrights reserved by the author S.Susheela)
Training of Trainers in Mediation 