This document describes the Broken Square Method, an activity used to break ice in a team and identify each person's behaviors and competencies. The activity involves teams solving puzzles made of broken square pieces without talking. Observers monitor participation, cooperation, problem solving approaches, and reactions to frustration. The goal is completing the puzzle with one square in front of each member. Debriefing examines lessons around participation, objectives, open-minded problem solving, communication, and helping one another.

1. BROKEN SQUARE
METHOD
SUBMITTED BY-
AMITA.C.BHALERAO

2. BROKEN SQUARE METHOD
 THIS METHOD IS OF LEARNING AND TRAINNING
 THIS IS THE METHOD IS TO BREAK ICE IN A TEAM
 THIS ACTIVITY CAN IDENTIFY EACH AND EVERY PERSONS BEHAVIOURS IN THE
TEAM
 IT COULD ALSO SHOW EACH PERSONS COMPENTENCIES WHICH THE HAVE AND
AREAS WHERE THEY CAN BE IMPROVED
 THIS METHOD CAN IMPROVE PERFORMANCE IN AN INIDIVIUAL/TEAM
 IT CAN TRAINED AN INDIVIUAL/TEAM FOR PROBLEM SOLVING ,TAKING RIGHT
DESCIONS ,COOPERATING,COMMUNICATION,TEAMWORK,

3. ACTIVITY
 PUZZLE GAME
 The puzzle process may frustrate some group members, while invigorating others.
 Group member observers should make note of each participant’s reaction to the
activity.
 Participation and cooperation by all team members is essential to attain team and
individual goals.
 This activity may expose participants to behaviours that may contribute toward, or
obstruct group success.

4. EXAMPLE
 Time Requirements: 30-40 minutes
 Materials needed: A set of broken square puzzle pieces (see broken square template pdf file), and envelop or baggie for each puzzle
set, tables for each group, team instructions, and observer instructions.
 Instructions:
 Divide your participants into teams; groups of 5-7 are best.
 Give each team member an envelop with puzzle pieces inside. Your team will be successful when there is a perfect square, each of the
same size, in front of each team member.
 Print instructions for each team and a set of instructions for each observer/judge.
 Hand out the set of broken square envelopes, and instruct the group to distribute one envelope to each of the participants (do not
open the envelopes until instructed to do so).
 Give each group a copy of the Broken Squares Team Instructions. Read these instructions out-loud. Check for understanding and
answer any questions.
 Instruct the group to begin the task. Monitor the group, along with the judge/observers, to ensure that the group follows the rules
fairly closely.
 Allow most groups to complete their puzzles. Call time.
 Have the entire team develop a set of learning points, which you record on the flipchart (this may take up to 20 minutes).
 Take these up with the entire group.

5. Broken Squares Instructor Notes
 Debriefing of this activity is where most of the learning takes place.
 Debriefing points:
 Participation and cooperation are necessary
 It is imperative to understand the objectives of the task at hand
 Problem solving requires team members to keep an open mind and to use a
variety of potential solutions
 Lack of communication makes problem solving difficult
 You are never alone on a team
 As a team member, you must be willing to help others and accept help from
others

6. INSTRUCTION
 Puzzle making instructions:
 Make the broken squares by using the broken square template pdf file. Cut the
squares apart on the lines.
 Mix them up and then put pieces in the required number of envelops. You can
have an equal number in each envelop or make some envelopes more full than
others.
 Make sure each group has the same number of complete squares as team
members(or one set). If you use card stock (60 lb), you should be able to use these
over and over again.

7. RULES
 Game Rules:
 You may only use the pieces provided.
 No member may speak or gesture in any way throughout the activity.
 Members may not ask another member for a piece; take a piece from another member,
or signal in any way that another person is to give them a piece.
 Members may give pieces to other members.
 Members may not place their puzzle pieces in the center area for other team members
to take.
 When a group (all members) have assembled all puzzles as instructed, they should
indicate to the teacher or facilitator that they are done.

8. INSTRUCTION TO JUDGE/OBSERVER
 Observer/Judge instructions:
 Make sure each participant observes the following rules; no talking, pointing, or
any other kind of communication.
 Participants may give pieces directly to other participant but may not take pieces
from other members.
 Participant may not place their pieces into the center for others to take.
 It is okay for a member to give away all the pieces of their puzzle, even if they
have already formed a square.

9. OBSERVATION
 Observer/Judge observations:
 How willing were members to give away pieces of the puzzle? Were participants more
interested in getting than in giving?
 Did anyone finish their puzzle, and then withdraw from the group problem solving? If
so, how did it affect the rest of the group?
 Did dominant individuals emerge, or did everyone seem to participate equally?
 Did you detect evidence of frustration? How did it affect the group?
 What was the critical turning point(s) affecting the group working together?
 Other observations…