Campfire Talk
At the TU Delft education and research are central. We work on solutions for global challenges by educating new generations of socially responsabel engineers and stretch the boundaries of technical science. Our joint mission: to have impact for a better society. TU Delft is a proud partner in this reflective game.
This production was made possible partly with funding from The Netherlands Initiative for Education Research (NRO) via a Comenius Teaching Fellow Grant.
FAQ Campfire Talk
What is the intended use for the Campfire Talk?
The campfire talk is intended for use by peers to stimulate them to have a deeper conversation about issues they are dealing with. Although practical issues such as 'planning' might be chosen, the campfire talk is designed not to focus on practical advice ("plan better next time") but on exploring underlying beliefs, norms, things holding you back, etc.
Where is the Campfire Talk not suitable for?
The Campfire talk game is not designed to be used as: an icebreaker, as a tool at the start of a collaboration project or dealing with conflicts in collaborations, or to improve collaborations.
What are possible issues that players can bring to the table?
In the game, players are supported in defining their issue by issue cards with examples. There are three major categories: (I) issues for students in individual work, (II) issues for students in group projects, and (III) issues for educational professionals. These three categories are subdivided into smaller groups, varying from issues around writing, doing research to (mental) health issues.
The game feels overwhelming; can it be simplified?
It is understandable that the game feels overwhelming when you play it for the first time. This feeling will decrease with experience, as it does with many regular games once you start playing them. Read and follow the instructions and steps. The game makes players who are inexperienced in conversations have a good talk. It is logical that it takes some explanation and effort to get there.
Wouldn't it be better to train the Fire masters?
The role of the Fire Master is designed to help facilitate the steps of having a constructive conversation. Experienced facilitators or coaches quite possibly will facilitate a Campfire Talk better than an inexperienced Fire Master. The aim of the game is not to have the best possible conversation, but to have a conversation that is constructive for the players. In our experience, a regular player can be an adequate fire master.
