Moderation Suitcase

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What, Why, and When[edit]

A moderation suitcase, also known as a facilitation kit, is a portable collection of materials used to run workshops, seminars, or group discussions effectively. It typically contains writing and drawing tools, visual aids, cards, paper, and other materials, depending on the context. These materials help visualize content, document results, and support participants during group work. They make it easier to present ideas clearly and create flexible and touchable outcomes.

Fig. 1: The materials can be transported in different carriers

Goals[edit]

Bringing a moderation suitcase to your workshop can achieve a variety of valuable goals. Its materials foster collaboration and clearer communication among participants. They also support the visualization of statements and ideas, which enhances ideation and learning. Moreover, a well-equipped moderation suitcase helps maintain the workshop’s structure and flow, ensuring a smooth and engaging experience. Overall, it significantly increases the quality and effectiveness of your workshop.

Getting Started[edit]

Know Your Setting[edit]

Before packing your moderation suitcase, think carefully about the context you want to use it in. The needs of the workshop strongly influence which materials you should bring, however, some basic tools should always be present in your moderation suitcase. Consider the characteristics of your participants, for example, their age group or level of familiarity with visual tools. Working with children may require different materials than working with adults. You should also take accessibility into account and check in advance whether participants have specific needs that require adapted materials.

The Materials and Tools[edit]

Fig. 2: Basic Tools

Basic Tools[edit]

  • Different writing and drawing tools
    • Black markers in different tip sizes
    • Colored markers
  • Visuals aids
  • Cards in different sizes
  • Tape
  • Scissors
  • Cutter
  • Magnets
  • Glue stick
  • Sticky tack/pins
  • Flipchart
  • Device for taking pictures
  • (Laser) pointer

These tools form the foundation of your moderation suitcase. The following sections explain their specific use in more detail.


Fig. 3: Writing and Drawing Tools

Writing and Drawing Tools[edit]

  • Flipchart markers (thick tip)
  • Pinboard markers (thin tip)
  • Highlighters
  • Permanent markers
  • Whiteboard markers (if whiteboard is present)
  • Chalk (if blackboard is present)
  • Crayons

Writing and drawing tools influence readability and visibility.

Provide markers with different tip sizes and colors. Standard colors like black, red, blue, or green are typically used for writing, while other colors support sketches or highlights. Thick markers work well for headings, borders, arrows, and emphasis. Thin markers are better suited for flipchart text or writing on cards.

As a rule of thumb, letters should be approximately 2.5 cm high to remain readable from 6–8 m distance. Offering participants simple guidelines, such as using black for headings or green/red for positive/negative aspects, helps ensure clear and consistent group output.

Crayons are especially helpful for graphic facilitation.


Fig. 4: Cards

Cards[edit]

  • Moderation cards in various shapes and colors
    • Rectangular
    • Oval
    • Round
    • Clouds
    • Speech bubbles
  • Sticky notes

Cards should be selected thoughtfully, as shape and color often convey specific meanings. Depending on the setting, plan with enough material per participant.

Rectangular cards (10 × 21 cm) are the standard choice for statements or arguments. A traffic-light system can be helpful:

  • Green for ideas, supporting arguments, advantages
  • Yellow for neutral contributions or next steps
  • Red for objections or disadvantages

Long stripes are useful for flipchart headings or process steps.

Round cards (14 cm or 19.5 cm diameter) help structure topics, smaller ones can be used to number inputs or add symbols like hearts, question marks, or conflict arrows.

Oval cards are suitable for additions, objections, or cluster headings.

Clouds draw attention and are ideal for headings.

Speech bubbles and sticky notes support brainstorming, comments, quotes, or quick clustering.

Find your own language and system with the cards.


Fig. 5: Mounting Material

Mounting Material[edit]

  • Masking Tape
  • Magnets
  • Pinboard Pins
  • Glue stick

Mounting materials help attach cards and charts. Removable tape allows flexible changes and can be used on walls. Magnets are essential when working with magnetic boards. Glue sticks help preserve permanent results on flipcharts.

Paper tape is also useful for name tags.


Fig. 6: Visual Aids

Visual Aids[edit]

  • Colored paper or cardboard
  • Stickers or dots
  • Arrows, symbols, or icons

Colored materials are useful for highlights or creative elements. Stickers and dots are mainly used for weighing visual statements. Different sticker colors can signal opinions in different directions. Arrows and symbols help connect ideas or express emotional reactions.


Fig. 7: Facilitation and Organization Tools

Facilitation and Organization Tools[edit]

  • Timer or stopwatch
  • Bell, gong or whistle
  • Name tags or badges

Time-keeping tools help structure the session, while attention signals (bell, gong, or whistle) make transitions smoother. Name tags support personal interaction and help participants connect more easily.


Fig. 8: Additional Material Depending on the Context

Additional Material Depending on the Context[edit]

  • Wool
  • Modeling clay
  • Water colors
  • Games
  • Lego
  • …

For creative or team-building activities, additional materials can be helpful and fun. For example, wool can visualize connections between participants, and modeling clay can be used in hands-on tasks. Adapt your suitcase to your goals; any material is useful if it fits the situation. However, always start with the purpose, and then choose the materials.

Conclusion[edit]

When used effectively, the materials in your moderation suitcase can significantly improve the workshop experience and outcomes. However, more material is not always better. There is always the risk of material overkill. In addition, lots of the material is not reusable and produces waste. Therefore, before packing your moderation suitcase, reflect on which items are truly necessary and ensure that each item supports your facilitation goals.

Useful Resources[edit]

Anuschka (2021): What is your Facilitator Survival Kit? – Pick the right workshop materials. https://affectivefacilitation.com/blog/facilitation_survial_kit/ Blog article that helps reflect on the purpose of moderation suitcases

Metaplan (2019): Metaplan Basiswissen: https://www.metaplan.com/wp-content/uploads/2021/04/Metaplan-Basiswissen_dt.pdf Good overview of helpful material and purposeful use, as well as an overview of the Metaplan moderation strategy, in German

von Kanitz, A. (2024): Crashkurs Professionell Moderieren, Haufe Lexware. https://link.springer.com/book/10.34157/978-3-648-17534-7 Overview of moderation strategies, pp. 138-143 are especially relevant for the moderation suitcase, in German


The author of this entry is Hannah Pieper.