Facilitation
Learning Matrix retrospective template
Free Learning Matrix retrospective template: happy, concerned, ideas and appreciations in four quadrants. Online, no sign-up.
Opens a new board with these columns, right in your browser.
What is the Learning Matrix retrospective?
The Learning Matrix divides the board into four: what made us Happy, what we are Concerned about, Ideas for what to try, and Appreciations for people who helped. It balances reflection with forward-looking ideas and recognition, which makes it a good all-rounder for teams that want more than a list of problems.
The columns
- Happy
- Concerned
- Ideas
- Appreciations
When to use it
Use it for regular retros with a positive twist, for teams that rarely say thank you, or at the end of a project.
Facilitator tip: the quadrants work best with a rhythm. Start with Appreciations to warm up, move to Happy, then spend most of the time on Concerned and Ideas. If Ideas stays empty, ask each person to turn one Concern into an Idea before voting.
How to run it in Peel in 5 steps
- Create a Learning matrix board and share the link.
- Write for six minutes in all four quadrants.
- Reveal and group Concerned and Ideas cards.
- Read the Appreciations aloud, then vote on Concerns and Ideas.
- Turn the top Ideas into actions with owners.
Frequently asked questions
Are Appreciations anonymous?
Card authors are hidden by default. People can sign an appreciation by writing their name in the card if they want.
How long does it take?
About 45 minutes for a team of up to ten.