Liberating Structures

Microstructures to enable equitable, engaged, creative, constructive dialogue

Do you have an activity that you would like to suggest?

Equity Unbound Activity

This collaborative activity encourages students to discover and focus on what each person has the freedom and resources to do now.

Maha Bali, Jasmina Najjar

Equity Unbound Activity

9 Whys of Liberating Structures

This activity helps individuals and groups uncover deeper motivations by repeatedly asking “why.” It fosters reflective listening and meaningful dialogue, supporting students in clarifying their academic goals and educators in exploring teaching and strategic priorities. Simple and adaptable for any learning context.

Michael Weinraub

Equity Unbound Activity

Appreciative Interviews

This activity will help students prepare for working in groups by discovering and building on the roots of their successes.

Maha Bali, Autumm Caines, Mia Zamora

Equity Unbound Activity

Conversation Cafe

Engage everyone in exploring and making sense of complex or challenging topics. Ideal for addressing difficult or confusing issues through open, respectful conversation.

Maha Bali, Mia Zamora, Autumm Caines

Equity Unbound Activity

Critical Uncertainties

Engage students or faculty in a structured process to make sense of complex challenges. Use this activity to explore difficult or confusing topics collaboratively.

Autumm Caines, Maha Bali

Equity Unbound Activity

Purpose to Practice

Use the Purpose to Practice structure with students to co-develop community guidelines for the class.

Maha Bali

Equity Unbound Activity

Spiral Journal

Promote focus and reflection while allowing individuals to compose responses thoughtfully and calmly in writing.

Maha Bali, Mia Zamora

Equity Unbound Activity

Teaching Ethics with Theatre of the Oppressed and Liberating Structures

Engage everyone in making sense of profound challenges. Use to address difficult or confusing topics.

Maha Bali

Equity Unbound Activity

Tiny Demons / Drawing Monsters

Help students express and face their fears in a way that can help reduce stress and anxiety.

Lyse Edwards

Equity Unbound Activity

TRIZ

Help students think critically by identifying actions that hinder success. Through structured group reflection, TRIZ turns worst-case thinking into a powerful, engaging way to foster innovation and change.

Maha Bali

Equity Unbound Activity

Troika Consulting: Adaptation for Class Community Building

Get students used to supporting each other without always turning to an 'expert' for solutions.

Maha Bali, Mia Zamora, Autumm Caines

Equity Unbound Activity

Wild Tea / Mad Tea Party

This activity promotes small group intimacy and collaboration, making a large group session feel interactive.

Maha Bali