Writeshops

A tool for packaging and sharing field-based experiences

Volume 1: Workshop proceedings
Julian Gonsalves and Ric Armonia (editors)
Volume 2: Case studies
Julian Gonsalves and Ric Armonia (editors)
Volume 3: A guide to organizing writeshops
Julian Gonsalves and Bernardette Joven (editors)

Three-volume series on various ways to use writeshops to capture experiences and translate them into a form that others can understand.

International Institute of Rural Reconstruction and International Potato Center - UPWARD, 2010

In recent years, development practitioners and organizations have come to discover and recognize the writeshop as an effective methodology for the documentation and distillation of project learning. A writeshop is a participatory and highly intensive process which involves bringing together authors, editors, artists, and desktop publishing specialists to produce a publication in a relatively short time. Writeshops are characterized by critical reviews and revisions, involving peers and a diverse range of stakeholders and users. Writeshops have been found particularly useful in helping field workers and practitioners document their experiences, making field-based evidence more widely available.

Contents

Volume 1: Workshop proceedings

Introduction
The writeshop review workshop
Writeshop then and now: 23 years and still counting
What are writeshops?
Writeshop adaptations for selected outputs
Problems in documenting field experiences
Elements, principles and key issues
Key considerations in the formulation of writeshop guidelines
Conclusion

Volume 2: Case studies

Adapting the writeshop process
Capturing voices from the field through writeshops: The IFAD experience
Evolution of a knowledge product — Sourcebook on transition towards resilience: Coping with disasters
Producing and adapting an information kit on upland management
Integrating ICT tools to the writeshop methodology
Writing for a cause, writing for effect
Initiating knowledge management and inter-institutional cooperation through the Lao uplands sourcebook
Developing simple and culturally-appropriate materials: A field-based writeshop adaptation
Module on writing policy briefs: A drawing board
for a tool to influence
Conducting participatory evaluation the writeshop way
Using the writeshop for participatory approaches
in education
Utilizing writeshop to innovate graduate textbooks on NRM
Using a writeshop for publication development in Cambodia
Bridging the information and imagination divide
Conclusion

Volume 3: A guide to organizing writeshops

A Guide to organizing workshops
Purpose of the guide and for whom
About writeshops
Designing writeshops
Organizing writeshops
Adaptations to the writeshop process
Writeshop guidelines
Considerations for using writeshops in the IFAD context
Appendices
- Sample templates and checklist for the management of writeshops
- Information resources

International Institute of Rural Reconstruction and International Potato Centre - UPWARD (Users' Perspectives With Agricultural Research and Development)

Produced with support from ENRAP (International Development Research Center (IDRC) and International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD)) and the Canadian International Development Agency (CIDA).

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To request free hardcopies of volumes 2 and 3, contact Denise.Melvin@fao.org

Role of Paul Mundy: Steering committee member, contributor