Guerrilla Learning

A few weeks ago I bought Kerri Smith's Guerilla Art Kit. Kerri defines guerrilla art as "any anonymous work, including but not limited to graffiti, signage, performance, additions and decorations) installed, performed or attached in public spaces, with the distinct purpose of affecting the world in a creative or thought-provoking way."

Reading through it got me thinking about how some of the exercises could be adapted to support learning. It seems to me that we're often too serious and structured and Kerri's guerrilla techniques add an element of fun and subversiveness that could make learning more appealing. Many of these would lend themselves well to pre and post-training activities or as ongoing reinforcement of various initiatives.

• Public Chalkboard--Install a chalkboard and chalk in a public space and invite comments or ideas. For learning, I'd post a provocative question related to the learning and then invite responses. You could also do this with a notebook that was passed from person to person or with a poster in a public place that has a pen attached.

• Slogan Stickers--Come up with a series of slogans or quotes that support the learning topic and put them on stickers around the workplace. Alternatively, invite learners to create their own slogan stickers.

• Guerrilla Mail--Start an anonymous postcard chain by putting the following message on the back of a postcard (I'd adapt the text and postcard to reflect the learning you're trying to encourage)

Dear Friend, You are invited to take this postcard and alter/add to it in some way. Use whatever method you would like; it is up to you. Do not worry about covering up the existing artwork. Do not obscure this note. When you are finished, mail to postcard to someone else.

• Installations--Use Post-It notes in a central location to create a trail of words, quotes or drawings. This could be a semi-permanent, ongoing project for a lunchroom, hallway, etc.

• Hidden Fortunes--Cut slips of paper approximately 1 by 3 inches and write an idea or affirmation on each. Fold the "fortunes" and drop them randomly throughout the office (lunchroom, on desks, file cabinets or chairs, etc.)

Kerri has a ton of other interesting ideas. I highly recommend checking out both the book and her blog.

Comments

[Franz]

You might take these ideas (on those stickers I mean) and then let them pass before your eyes before you fall asleep - it will set you subconscious to work on all of these aspects and produce new insights from new angels!