HIDDEN THOUGHTS

Paradigm-breaking methods

The Hidden Thoughts method is a working approach that helps to bring out the hidden thoughts, feelings and perspectives of members of a health and care Community of Practice in the context of the green transition. It is based on the idea that people often have silent or unexpressed thoughts that can be significant in collaborative work and decision-making. The method supports safe discussion and allows for the sharing of different experiences without direct personal exposure.

What is required:

• A confidential and safe atmosphere
• Openness and willingness to reflect
• A facilitator who guides the process in a neutral, respectful and encouraging way

Level of difficulty: 2-3 (depends on group dynamics)

Time required: 30-60 minutes

Materials:

• Writing tools, post-it notes, or digital tools for recording thoughts

Participants: 4-30

How to use:

• Introduction: The facilitator presents the method and its goals.
• Silent writing on a specific theme from certain perspectives: participants anonymously write their thoughts on the theme being addressed.
• Collection: The thoughts are gathered together, for example by reading them out loud or collecting them on a whiteboard.
• Discussion and reflection: The group reviews the thoughts without judgement and considers their significance.
• Conclusions and practical application: Discuss how the perspectives that emerged can be utilised in practice.

When to use:

• In organisational development and change situations
• In examining the dynamics and group processes of Communities of Practice
• In learning processes of environmental education
• In creative idea generation and co-development

Why to use:

• Allows silent and less visible thoughts to be brought into the discussion
• Supports trust and openness in the group
• Promotes collective insight and deep reflection

How to document:

• By compiling thoughts into a written or visual form
• By summarising the group discussion
• By using digital platforms to store anonymised data

The roots of the method can be found here: The Hidden Thoughts method is one of the process drama techniques where participants can express their thoughts and feelings without direct personal exposure. Allan Owens and Keith Barber (2001) describe various process drama working methods in detail in their book Mapping Drama. In the context of the green transition, the Hidden Thoughts method also draws on sociological and pedagogical theories, such as Edward Soja's (1996) concept of third space and Jeffrey Goldfarb's idea of kitchen table conversation – a space where people can safely share their experiences. The method is also related to reflective learning (Kolb, 1984) and the concept of tacit knowledge (Polanyi, 1966), which emphasise experiential learning and deep thinking. The Hidden Thoughts method is suitable for various environmental-themed working and learning environments where the goal is dialogue, deepening understanding and bringing out new perspectives.

Further information:

Owens, A., & Barber, K. (2001). Mapping drama. Carel Press Ltd.

Owens, A., & Simfors, P. (2022). The blue balloon. In J. Moate (Ed.), Reimagining creative democracy: ReCreaDe the book. University of Jyväskylä Press.

Pässilä, A., & Owens, A. (2023). Arts-based methods to foster participatory and interactive learning. Campus, Times Higher Education, 4th Jan. 2023.