Practical Example 1: Implementing a New Questioning Technique
Scenario:
A trainee mediator reflects on past sessions where parties often dominated conversations. In supervision, they notice a pattern of premature interventions. Drawing on their conceptual work, they design a new strategy: using structured open-ended questions to encourage both parties to share their interests fully.
In their next session, the trainee applies the technique by giving each party timed opportunities to outline their perspective. This reduces interruptions, encourages active listening, and lowers tension. The trainee takes notes during and after the session, recording successes, challenges, and unexpected responses. In supervision, they and their supervisor evaluate the impact and refine the approach for future sessions.
Explanation:
This scenario illustrates Active Experimentation. The trainee is deliberately testing a concept developed during reflection and conceptualisation in a live setting. Unlike Concrete Experience (immersion) or Reflective Observation (analysis), this stage focuses on applying new strategies and observing real-time consequences. By trialling structured questioning, the trainee bridges theory and practice, transforming conceptual understanding into tangible skills.
Insights/Key Takeaways
-
Applying Theory to Practice: Trainees translate conceptual learning into structured interventions.
-
Iterative Learning: Observing outcomes feeds back into ongoing refinement.
-
Self-Awareness in Action: Experimenting heightens awareness of style and impact.
-
Supervision Utility: Supervisors can co-design experiments, observe practice, and debrief afterwards.
-
Building Confidence: Purposeful trials strengthen confidence and encourage proactive learning.
Reflective Prompt:
What questioning strategy could you test in your next roleplay or case? How would you know if it made a positive difference?