Strategies and Tools

for
Working Together
 Table of Contents
Revised Blooms Taxonomy........................... 1 Graphic Organizers (continued)
KWL/KWHL ................................. 26, 28, 29
Team Building ............................................... 2 What? So What? Now What? ............. 26, 30
Team Resume ................................................. 2 Bubble Process............................................. 31
Graffiti Chart .................................................. 2 Right Angle............................................ 32, 33
Collaborative Career Map ............................. 2 Gathering Grid...................................... 34, 35
How Do I Learn To Do It?................ 36, 37
Information Gathering and Sharing .........3 - 16
Parking Lot..................................................... 3 Team Discussion Organizers ............. 38 - 44
Round robin/In-turn Response.................. 3 Stems ............................................................. 38
Rallyrobin ....................................................... 3 Trio (321)............................................. 38
TTYP (Turn to Your Partner)..................... 3 3-2-1+1 ......................................................... 38
ThinkPairShareSquare ........................... 3 Give One to Get One................................. 38
4S Brainstorming........................................... 3 Defining Your Purpose .............................. 38
Jigsaw .............................................................. 4 SWOT Analysis..................................... 39, 40
Roundtable ..................................................... 4 Plus-Minus-Interesting ........................ 41, 42
Three-Step Interview .................................... 4 Scored Discussion ................................ 43, 44
Paired Verbal Fluency................................... 4
Paired Reading/Read & Explain Pairs...... 4 Continuous Improvement Tools ......... 45 - 57
Say Something................................................ 4 Affinity Diagram.......................................... 45
Baggage Claim............................................ 5, 6 Force Field Analysis 1.......................... 46, 47
People Search.............................................. 7, 8 Force Field Analysis 2.......................... 48, 49
SQRRR ..................................................... 9, 10 Cause & Effect Diagram (Fishbone) 50, 51, 52
Agree/Disagree Process....................... 11, 12 Five Whys .............................................. 53, 54
Bio Poem .................................................13, 14 IfThen....................................................... 55
Ready, Set, Recall................................... 15, 16 Consequence and Sequel ..................... 56, 57

Cooperative Strategies for Sharing with Consensus Building Tips .................... 58 - 72

Multiple Groups ........................................... 17 What Is It? .................................................... 58
Share and Compare..................................... 17 100% Consensus.......................................... 58
Chart Paper Sharing.................................... 17 Public Minutes ............................................. 58
Carbon Sharing............................................ 17 Individual Reflection................................... 59
Roam the Room .......................................... 17 Operational Definition ............................... 59
Roving Reporters/Scouting....................... 17 Clear Out Voting ......................................... 59
Gallery Tour................................................. 17 Weighted or Multi-Voting.......................... 59
One Stay, Rest Stray.................................... 17 Consensogram.............................................. 60
Pass It Along................................................ 17 Imagineering................................................. 61
Off to College .............................................. 17 Fist to Five.................................................... 62
Turn to Your Partner (TTYP)................... 63
Communication Regulators ......................... 18 Pair-Square.................................................... 63
Talking Chips ............................................... 18 Reaching Consensus ................................... 64
YarnYarn.................................................. 18 Six Hat Thinking................................... 65, 66
Paraphrase Passport.................................... 18 Consider All Factors ............................ 67, 68
Four Corners......................................... 69, 70
Definitions Vocabulary Development ...19-25 OPV Other Peoples Views.............. 71, 72
Frayer Model.......................................... 19, 20
Concept Definition Map .......................19, 21 Decision-Making Strategies ................ 73 - 78
Rivet .............................................................. 19 Cooperative Processing ............................... 73
Definitions Are Us ...................................... 22 Prioritizing Grid........................................... 74
Mindstreaming ............................................. 23 Decision-Makers Flow Chart..................... 75
Do I Really Know It? ............................24, 25 Paired-Choice Matrix .................................. 76
First Important Priorities .................... 77, 78
Graphic Organizers................................ 26 - 37
Mind Mapping or Presentation ................................................ 79
Visual Representations ................................... 26 R.A.F.T.......................................................... 79
Venn Diagram ................................................. 26
PCI............................................................... 26, 27 Index ................................................................... 81
 Revised Blooms Taxonomy

Questions for Creating Questions for Applying

Can you design ato? Do you know of another instance where?
Can you see a possible solution to? Can you group by characteristics such as?
If you had access to all resources, how would you Which factors would you change if?
deal with? What questions would you ask of?
Why dont you devise your own way to? From the information given, can you develop a set
What would happen if? of instructions about?
How many ways can you?
Can you create new and unusual uses for? Questions for Understanding
Can you develop a proposal which would? Can you explain why?
Can you write in your own words?
Questions for Evaluating How would you explain?
Is there a better solution to? Can you write a brief outline?
Judge the value ofWhat do you think about? What do you think could have happened next?
Can you defend your position about? Who do you think?
Do you thinkis a good or bad thing? What was the main idea?
How would you have handled? Can you clarify?
What changes towould you recommend? Can you illustrate?
Do you believe? How would you feel if ? Does everyone act in the way thatdoes?
How effective are?
What are the consequences? Questions for Remembering
What influence willhave on our lives? What happened after?
What are the pros and cons of? How many?
Why isof value? What is?
What are the alternatives? Who was it that?
Who will gain and who will lose? Can you name?
Find the definition of?
Questions for Analyzing Describe what happened after
Which events could not have happened? Who spoke to?
Ifhappened, what might the ending have been? Which is true or false?
How issimilar to?
What do you see as other possible outcomes?
Why didchanges occur?
Can you explain what must have happened
when?
What are some of the problems of?
Can you distinguish between?
What were some of the motives behind?
What was the turning point?
What was the problem with?

1
Team Building

Team Resume
1. Choose a recorder.
2. Follow the directions below to create a team resume.
List every position members of your team have held in the field of education.
List every job members of your team have held outside of the field of education.
Calculate the total number of years of work experience of your team. Include work both in and out
of the field of education.
List the strengths each individual in your team brings to the group.
3. Post your teams resume.

Graffiti Chart
Give each team member a piece of chart paper. Each person will create a poster that tells who they are.
Directions for the poster:
1. Put your name in the center in graffiti style.
2. Under your name, write an adjective that describes the way you want others to describe you.
3. Across the top, draw two things you do in your job. (Use pictures, not words.)
4. Across the bottom, draw three things about your family.
5. The poster can be illustrated with pictures, song lyrics, poems, etc.
6. When you have finished your poster, tape it to your shoulders so that it hangs down your front.
7. Walk around and get to know your team members. Feel free to ask questions about their posters.
8. The team should be given time so that each member can read everyone elses poster, ask questions,
compare similarities, and get to know one another.

Collaborative Career Map

1. Individual reflection: Think of events and times in your life that led you to where you are today in your
career.
2. Directions: Pair up within the team. Drawing will be done in pairs and sharing at the end with the whole
team. One person will share with partner about significant events in his/her career life while the
partner draws a representation of the life with all-important details mentioned. (It can be a road map,
spiral, timeline, trail map, etc. The person doing the drawing chooses how s/he would like to represent
what the person is saying. The purpose of this activity is not art but rather communication and
collaboration.
3. Pairs: Each person will have 10 minutes to complete his/her partners career map. When time is up,
the first partner will switch and the process will be repeated with the other partner.
4. Round robin: Pairs reunite with team and briefly share what they learned/represented about their
partners life.
5. Reflection: 1) Was it difficult to draw your partners life? Why? 2) How could you tell your partner was
trying to draw what you said? 3) How could sharing your life map be difficult for some of us? 4) Did
you realize afterwards that you left out important details on your map?
6. Conclusion: Present partner with their life/career map.

2
 Information Gathering and Sharing

Parking Lot
A Parking Lot is a place where group participants can anonymously communicate with facilitators or
group leaders.

Parking Lot

! !
What is going well? What needs improvement?

? I/O
What questions do you have? What are the issues or observations?

Round Robin/In-turn Response:

Team members take turns, in sequence, stating answers or ideas. Individuals may pass on any round, and
then may reenter the round robin when they have additional answers or ideas.

Rallyrobin:
Form pairs within team and take turns with a partner sharing ideas back and forth. Afterwards, the team
discusses which ideas were common to the pairs and which ideas where unique.

TTYP (Turn to Your Partner):

Team members pair up to briefly share, reflect, dialog about a question, idea, problem, etc. Participants can
then share with the large group, reflect in their journals, or move on.

ThinkPairShareSquare:
Form pairs in which partners privately think about what was read, discussed, presented, etc. and then
discuss their responses with one another. Pairs then join another pair, creating a square, to again share
their responses. Squares report out to the total group.
VARIATION: Form pairs and then combine pairs to form groups of 4, then 8, then 16, etc. Each time a
new group in formed, only the common responses (key points in common) are brought to the next
grouping.

4S Brainstorming:
In this form of brainstorming, 4 individuals are assigned specific roles to help move the process along and
to produce a maximum number of responses. Four roles:
1) Speed (acceleratorLets get more ideas, only two minutes left.)
2) Suspend Judgment (acceptorAll ideas are OK, write that one down.)
3) Silly (exaggeratorWe need some silly ideas.)
4) Synergy (connector/recorderWhat ideas are connected to that?)

3
Jigsaw:
This strategy allows team members to process a large amount of materials without having to read or
become an expert on all of it. Individuals are assigned a portion of an article or a separate article. They are
responsible for sharing the main points with the rest of the team so that the team members can gain an
understanding. Avoid sectioning an article if there are not logical breaking points. (The middle or end of
some articles do not make sense if you have not read the beginning.)
VARIATION: Expert groups: Individuals who were assigned the same section first meet to discuss their
section for a better understanding. Individuals then return to the total group to share.

Roundtable:
One paper and pencil are systematically passed around the group. Each member writes an idea and then
passes it to the person on their left who then writes an idea. Utilizing different colors for each person
reinforces that all team members are contributing equally.

Three-Step Interview:
Step 1: Team members form pairs; one is the interviewer and the other is interviewee.
Step 2: The team members reverse roles.
Step 3: Team reforms with all team members to do a Round Robin. Each one in turn shares with the team
what he/she learned in the interview.

Paired Verbal Fluency:

This strategy is used to get team members verbally active prior to studying, discussing, or analyzing a topic.
It activates prior knowledge and/or experiences before holding a group discussion. Team members pair up
and decide who will be person A and who will be person B. The facilitator assigns the topic/question to be
discussed in turn. Pairs listen carefully to each other and during their turn they dont repeat anything that
has already been said. Participants can continue the same thought when turns switch or they can change to
a new one.
Round One: Round Two: Round Three:
Facilitator: GO Facilitator: SWITCH Facilitator: SWITCH
Person A: Talks for 60 seconds Person A: Talks for 45 seconds Person A: Talks for 30 seconds
Person B: ListensNo talking Person B: ListensNo talking Person B: ListensNo talking
Facilitator: SWITCH Facilitator: SWITCH Facilitator: SWITCH
Facilitator: GO Facilitator: GO Facilitator: GO
Person B: Talks for 60 seconds Person B: Talks for 45 seconds Person B: Talks for 30 seconds
Person A: ListensNo talking Person A: ListensNo talking Person A: ListensNo talking
Facilitator: STOP Facilitator: STOP Facilitator: STOP

Paired Reading/Read & Explain Pairs:

This activity helps to read and understand articles/data more effectively as pairs than as individuals.
1. Read headings to gain an overview.
2. Partners each read the first section under a heading silently.
3. One partner summarizes, in own words, what they read.
4. The other partner listens for accuracy, adds additional information, relates information to previous
knowledge.
5. Partners read next section and switch roles for #3 and #4 above.
6. Continue this pattern until the article or data is completed.

Say Something:
Chunk reading material.
After each chunk, turn to your shoulder buddy and Say Something. Could be a comment,
reflection, idea, or connection.

4
Baggage Claim
In this activity, people will find things out about each other before putting faces to names. Its best used
with people who dont know one another well because this gets them moving around and meeting each
other.

Purpose: Getting to know you; getting to know you better

Group Size: 12-40
Estimated Time: 5-10 minutes
Props: Baggage cards, one per participant

Instructions:
1. Pass out cards to participants and ask them to pack their bags by filling in the blanks.

2. Ask participants to walk around the room, shaking hands and introducing themselves to other
participants in the following ways:
The first time each person shakes hands with another person, both participants will introduce
themselves and tell each other what is in their bags (based on the information they wrote on the
card).
The pair will then exchange bags and move on to greet other participants.
As they greet other participants, they will shake hands and introduce themselves but explain that
they have the wrong bags. They will then proceed to tell each other who their bags belong to
and whats in them, using the information on the cards they have in their hands.
After each meeting, they will trade bags and then move on to another participant.

3. At the end of three minutes, ask participants to stop.

4. If the group has twenty or fewer participants, you can ask participants to read the name of the person
whose card they are holding, introduce that person by whats in their bag, and return the card to that
person so that everyone will eventually be holding their own baggage again.

Variation: If it is a small group, have participants guess who as each card is read.

Tips: If you collect the cards, you may use them for drawings and door prizes.

5
Baggage Claim

Please fill the bag with five interesting facts about your life.

6
People Search

Procedure

1. Personalize an entry in the first box

a. your expectations
b. your burning question
c. your level of energy/enthusiasm for topic

2. Give sentence stem for remaining boxes that move your objectives, goals along.

3. Set a time limit for how long they have to meet/greet, ask/record responses that complete, respond to,
or give an example of the items in the sentence stems.

4. Debrief in large group the information gained by sampling and/or asking for volunteers.

5. Ask, What did you learn from this opportunity?

7
People Search

Find someone who:

_____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________

_____________________________ _____________________________

8
The SQRRR Study Technique
Content Area Reading

S URVEY
1. Look over the title, subtitles, pictures and captions, introduction, summary, and maps and charts.
2. Read through to get the general idea of the material. This gives you an idea of what to expect.

Q UESTION
1. Turn the subtitle into a question.
2. The question will help you concentrate on the subject you are reading.
3. Set a purpose of studying this part of the material.
4. Work on one subtitle at a time.

R EAD
1. Keep the question in mind as you read the selection.
2. Read to answer the question made from the subtitle.
3. Take brief notes if it helps you to remember or understand.
4. The answers you find will be the important facts and details.

R ECITE
1. Go back and ask the question again. Can you answer? If not, skim to find the answer again.
2. Reciting helps you remember what information was important.
3. Use your notes if necessary.
4. Recite the answer in your own words.

R EVIEW
1. Reread all the headings and try to remember the answer to the question made from each heading.
2. Look over your notes and recite all the major points in the selection.
3. Class discussion can also serve as a review.
4. Review periodically - once every week.

THE SQ3R ROUTINE WONT WORK...UNLESS YOU MODEL AND TEACH IT!

9
SQRRR

SURVEY

QUESTIONS

Review
Read

Recite

10
Agree/Disagree Process

Purpose: To help students organize data to support a position for or against an idea.

Vocabulary:
Agree: To be in favor of an idea.
Disagree: To be against an idea

Thinking Skills: Evaluating, analyzing

Process:
1. Ask for volunteers to agree or disagree with the statement and to give you a reason. After you have
several reasons for and against the statement, ask the students to move. All the students who agree
with the idea stand on the right side of the room. All who disagree with the idea stand on the left side
of the room. Each group will pick out the most important reason for the position and share it with the
class. (NOTE: Caution, some students may be reluctant to move, you may want to use sticky dots or
some other anonymous method to display the results of the initial discussion.)

2. After the students are reseated, show the chart on the overhead. Point out that skillful thinkers will
always think about the arguments for both sides before making a decision and that they might very
well change what they think based on the data they collect.

3. Assign students to read, research, investigate, and/or discuss the topic. When all are finished, do a
recount and record on the chart. Discuss with the class why the counts were different.

4. Next, divide the students into groups of three, with a recorder, reader, and a checker/encourager.

5. Conclude the activity by inviting several groups to explain the differences and for the class to discuss
the major reasons given.

6. Throughout the unit, use the chart to promote student thinking about the content. Give refinement
and feedback on the students uses of the chart. Look for more thorough reasons for changes. End the
unit with an individualized task in which each student completes a chart you made for a selected
content.

11
Agree / Disagree - Process

Agree / Disagree Chart

Name Class
BEFORE AFTER
STATEMENT
Agree Disagree Agree Disagree
1.
2.
3.
4.
5.
6.
7.
8.
9.
10.

12
Bio Poem
Details may be one word or they may be phrases. Try to be as accurate and complete in your description as
possible. Try several words and phrases before you decide what to use.

Line 1 ________ First Name

Line 2 ________ Title or occupation of the person

Line 3 ________ Four words that describe the person

Line 4 ________ Lover of (3 things or ideas)

Line 5 ________ Who believed (1 or more ideas)

Line 6 ________ Who wanted (3 things)

Line 7 ________ Who used (3 methods of things)

Line 8 ________ Who gave (3 things)

Line 9 ________ Who said (a quote)

Line 10 ________ Last Name

13
Bio Poem

Line 1 _______________________________________________________________________

Line 2 _______________________________________________________________________

Line 3 _______________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
Line 4 Lover of ________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
and__________________________________________________________________________

Line 5 Who believed ___________________________________________________________

Line 6 Who wanted ____________________________________________________________

_____________________________________________________________________________

Line 7________________________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
and__________________________________________________________________________
Line 8 Who gave ______________________________________________________________
_____________________________________________________________________________
and__________________________________________________________________________

Line 9 Who said. _____________________________________________________________

Line 10 Last Name _____________________________________________________________

14
Ready, Set, Recall

Purpose: Quick, nonthreatening tool to review; have students/participants assume the responsibility for
remembering, documenting and sharing material covered at prior meeting.

Has the potential to be used as an alternative to pop quiz or pre-test to find out what they know and what you
need to cover to move them forward.

Theory Base Process/Procedure

Constructivism Provide one slip per person, independently they list

- connections must be personalized everything they can remember.

Metacognition Individuals team up to combine and expand their lists;

- talking about their thinking announce a given time limit.
Have groups round robin, each group contributing one
item at a time to the class generated list. They are in
until they run out and have to pass. If they think of
anything new, they can get back in.
Reflection Variation(s): From the master list have individuals pick
- how can they use it to improve out two that they have confidence that they could
teach.

Groups could be asked to code entries on master list.

15
Ready, Set, Recall

16
 Cooperative Strategies for Sharing with Multiple Groups

Share and Compare:

Each team shares best answer(s) with team next to them.

Chart Paper Sharing:

One representative from each team simultaneously goes to chart paper and posts team's answers and/or
comments. The ideas of one team impacts the discussion of others.

Carbon Sharing:
Teams record answers using carbon paper. Copies are then given to other teams to examine and/or
comment on.

Roam the Room:

Individuals roam the room to view the products of other teams or individuals. Return and share through
use of Round Robin what individuals have learned.

Roving Reporters/Scouting:
One team member moves around the room gathering information and reports back to their team any ideas
that might be useful.

Gallery Tour:
Individuals move around the room as a team to look over, discuss, and give feedback on the products of
other teams. Products can be displayed on walls or on tables. A blank feedback sheet is placed by the
product so teams can give each other feedback.
VARIATION: Team members use Post-Its to provide feedback. (e.g. blue-resources, yellow-positive
feedback, pink-clarifying questions, additional questions). The team must leave one of each color at each
stop. Individuals must leave one of each color sometime during the process.

One Stay, Rest Stray:

Members of the team rotate to another table while Team Member One stays to explain product to visiting
team. After team members return, Team Member Two stays back while the others rotate to another team.
Team Members Three and Four each need a turn staying back and explaining. Team members then discuss
the differences among the products they have seen and use the information to improve their own.
VARIATION: When a team member has visited another team, he/she reports back and explains what
he/she has seen.

Pass It Along:
Group 1 creates/writes short letter, report or highlights of their work and sends it to Group 2. Group 2
adds their information and sends Group 1 + Group 2 on to Group 3. Group 3 adds on and sends
everything on to Group 4. Group 4 sends everything on to Group 1. Group 1 removes their original
information and adds updates before sending everything on to Group 2. Continue repeating process with
each group removing their old information and adding new.

Off to College:
Teams are numbered off. Like numbers form groups (go to college) to become experts. Return to home
team to share.

17
Communication Regulators

Talking Chips
Each person is given a number of markers. Each time a person wants to talk, a chip is placed in the center
of the table. When an individuals chips are all in the center of the table, s/he cannot talk again until
everyones chips are all in the center. The chips are then retrieved and redistributed to begin again.

VARIATION: Colored Chips: Each person is given a number of colored chips to facilitate
reflection. For example, after five minutes there might be 7 red chips, 5 blue chips, 3 green chips,
and no yellow chips. Discussion: "How equal was your participation and what do you need to do
to ensure that it is equal?" The chips serve as a visual reminder of the number of turns each
member takes in participating in conversation.

YarnYarn
The structure provides a record of interaction patterns. Each time a team member wants to talk, he/she
must wrap the yarn around his/her finger. At the end of the conversation, the visual should provide
information for reflection on who did the most/least amount of talking.

Paraphrase Passport
After someone has contributed an idea, another person must correctly restate that idea before contributing
his/her own idea.

Ideas adapted from:

Kagan, Spencer. (1992). Cooperative Learning. San Juan Capistrano, CA: Kagan Cooperative Learning.

Bennett, Barrie; Rolheiser-Bennett, Carol; and Stevahn, Laurie. (1991). Cooperative Learning: Where Heart Meets Mind. Toronto,
Ontario, Canada: Educational Connections.

18
 Definitions Vocabulary Development

Frayer Model Map

The Frayer Model is a graphical organizer used for word analysis and vocabulary building. This four-square
model prompts students to think about and describe the meaning of a word or concept by defining the
term, describing its essential characteristics, providing examples of the idea, and offering non-examples of
the idea.
Steps to the Frayer Model:
1. In the center oval, write the key word or concept word.
2. In Definition, write the meaning of the word.
3. Under Characteristics, list the characteristics describing the word.
4. In the Examples box, list examples of the word.
5. In the Non-Examples box, list what the word is not.

Concept of Definition Map

A Concept Definition Map prompts students to take a key term, concept, or reading selection and uncover
its component ideas, show their structure and interrelatedness, and chart these findings on a graphical
organizer. Students place information in logical categories, identify defining properties and characteristics,
and offer examples (and non-examples) of ideas. This strategy is especially useful for analyzing brief, but
content-rich, reading selections.
Directions for using the map:
1. Write the key term or concept in the center section of the map form (Key Term or Concept)
2. Explain what the key term or concept is (What is it?)
3. Fill out the properties section (What is it like?)
4. Provide a few examples of the key term or concept (What are some examples?)
5. Write a complete definition of key term or concept based on your map

Rivet
Rivet is a variation of the childhood game, HangMan. This game introduces vocabulary terms and
encourages better spelling. The game is very simple. The teacher draws a blank line for each letter of a
vocabulary word. The teacher then slowly fills in the blanks, one letter at a time, until a student guesses the
word. This student is then asked to come to the chalkboard and complete spelling the word. A variation of
this game adds features of the "Wheel of Fortune" television show. Here, the class is divided into teams,
each taking turns calling out a letter. The teacher fills in all of the blanks corresponding to this letter. Each
team suggests letters until one team can identify the vocabulary word.
Steps to Rivet:
1. Choose 6 to 8 important words from the reading selection.
2. Draw lines for each letter in the first word. Have students follow along with their own personal white
board. For example, _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ _ .
3. Fill in the letters to the word one at a time. Encourage students to guess the word at any point. For
example: v o l _ _ _ _ _ _.
4. When someone guesses the correct word, have that student help spell it and write the remaining letters
on the board. Such as, v o l u n t a r y.
5. Repeat the above steps for each of the vocabulary words.

19
The Frayer Model Map

On _______________________

Definition: Characteristics:

Examples: Non-Examples:

20
Concept of Definition Map

What is it?

What is it like?

Key Term or
Concept

What are some examples?

New Definition

21
 DEFINITIONS ARE US
DIRECTIONS:
Look up the definition of the assigned word. Select the two most important words in the definition. Get
with a partner and share the words you have chosen along with the reasons for why you chose them. Once
you and your partner have discussed your choices, work cooperatively to create your own definition.
Record all your work below.

MOST IMPORTANT WHY THOSE WORDS?

WORDS
! _________________________
_________________________
1. ___________________

2. ___________________ ! _________________________
_________________________
3. ___________________

4. ___________________ ! _________________________
_________________________

! _________________________
_________________________

OUR OWN DEFINTION

___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________
___________________________________

www.stemresources.com/static/tools/.../Definitions/Definitions.doc

22
Mindstreaming

Mindstreaming is a learning strategy designed to bring out background knowledge about a topic. It is
similar to Think-Pair-Share, but less structured. Students in pairs stream images and ideas about a topic. It
is important that the instructor emphasize that the students use their quiet voices during this time, as half
of the class will be talking at the same time.

Rationale:
This process gives both students a chance to process ideas just learned. This process gives students the
ideas and words to say in general class discussion by offering them an opportunity to gather their own
thoughts and to listen to another students learning as well. Verbalizing in the Mindstreaming process gives
students a chance to try out the words and ideas they learned before reporting to the whole class. If they
do not have a total grasp of the concept, often hearing another student verbalize will give them a leg up.

Steps:
1. The instructor introduces the Mindstreaming procedure to the students and then provides a topic,
such as: Why do you think people live in communities rather than living alone? Describe the entire
process of driving a car from your house to the grocery store. Describe the idea that where you live
affects how you live.
Students decide who will be Partner A and who will be Partner B.

Part 1: 20 seconds

2. Person A speaks with no interruptions, listing words associated with the concept or topic.
3. Person B listens.

Part 2: 20 seconds

4. The roles reverse with Person B speaks with no interruptions, listing other words and ideas associated
with the topic or concept.
5. Person A listens.
6. Person A and B can then share what they heard during the class debrief phase.

23
Do I Really Know It?

Thinking Skill: Verbal sequences, verbal classification, identifying attributes.

Content Objective: Students will use a flowchart to confirm their clear understanding of a concept.
NOTE: This process helps students check how well they understand key concepts and can be used to
review such concepts in any discipline.

1. What kind of idea is it?

Name the category in which the concept fits. Be as specific as you can in naming the group to
which the person, place, thing, or organism belongs. This step narrows your attention to the idea
you are trying to describe.
2. Can I name some examples?
Name the best examples of this idea that you can think of. Examples help you remember the idea
by images or memories. You can sometimes remember an example more easily than the idea it
represents. You also use examples to explain the idea to someone else.
3. What are some similar ideas?
Name something that is similar in some important way, perhaps from a different subject, that helps
you remember the concept you are studying. Similarities connect what you are learning to what you
already know.
4. What are some different ideas?
Name something that is different from the concept you are studying, that you must not confuse
with it. Identify how the difference will keep you from confusing the two concepts. Recognizing
and knowing a difference separates your new idea from other similar ones and helps you
remember concepts clearly so that you dont forget it or misunderstand it.
5. What are its important characteristics?
Name the qualities that make this concept what it is. If you really understand something, you can
explain what makes it special and sets it apart from other things of this kind.
6. Can I give a full definition?
Combine the category in Question 1 with the characteristics in Question 5 to create a complete
definition. Naming the category and the characteristics that make it different from others describes
the idea or thing and shows that you understand clearly what it is.

24
Do I Really Know It?

D i r e c t i o n s : Complete the left flowchart to explain why each step is important to be sure that you really
understand what something is. Think about the example and answer each of the questions on the
flowchart on the right side.

Example:

What Kind Of Idea Is It?

Can I Name Some Examples?

What Are Some Similar Ideas?

What Are Some Different Ideas?

What Are Its Important Characteristics?

Can I Give A Full Definition?

1990 Midwest Publications " Critical Thinking Press & Software " P.O. Box 448, Pacific Grove, CA 93950

25
Graphic Organizers

Mind Mapping or Visual Representations:

This process involves a minimum of words to share your ideas. Instead, individuals use images, pictures,
diagrams, graphs, etc. to summarize and share information.

Venn Diagram:
The Venn Diagram is a graphic organizer used to compare and contrast information. In one ring of the
Venn, list the unique characteristics of a subject; in the other ring list the unique characteristics of
another subject. The common characteristics are placed in the intersecting center.
Sample: Use the Venn Diagram to do a gap analysis of current practices and school improvement planning.
This could help to determine what to abandon (ring #1 only), what plans to develop (ring #2 only), and
what to celebrate (intersection.)

Current School
Things to
Celebrate
Practices Improvement
Plan

PCI:
Keeping your innovation, study topic, or plan in mind, complete the three sections of the PCI chart using
individual reflection or pair/team interviews.
PPositivesWhat is working? What do you want to continue? What do you like? Etc.
CConcernsWhat is not working? What are problems you are having? What are your concerns?
IInteresting insights AHAs, things to think about, realizations, etc.
The P you celebrate; the I gives you food for thought, and the C you develop into action plans.
(Items in the other two columns might give you possible strategies for your plan.)

KWL:
Keeping your innovation, study topic, or plan in mind, complete the three sections of the KWL chart
using individual reflection or pair/team interviews.
KKnowWhat do you know about the issue/topic?
WWant to Know What do you want to know about the issue/topic?
LLearned What have you learned about the issue/topic?
Variation: Add an H to the chart and answer the question, How will I find out?

What? So What? Now What?

Keeping your innovation, study topic, or plan in mind, complete the three sections of the KWL chart
using individual reflection or pair/team interviews.
What?What have you learned?
So What?What difference does it make?
Now What?What can you do with this information?

26
PCI

P C I
Positives Concerns Interesting Insights

27
 K-W-L Strategy Sheet

K W L
Know Want to know Learned

28
 K-W-H-L Strategy Sheet

K W H L
Know Want to know How will I find out Learned

29
 What? So What? Now What?

What? So What? Now What?

What have you learned? What difference does it make? What can you do with this
information?

30
Bubble Process
(A chart of interrelationships)

1. A topic is chosen and clearly stated such as: What do we need to know about car safety?
2. All team members brainstorm ideas relating to the stated question or topic.
3. A box or rectangle is drawn to allow for boundary lines for the bubble chart.
4. Begin adding circles for each of the brainstormed ideas.
5. Interconnect circles if they have a relationship to each other.
6. The more circles there are, the more detailed your project becomes.

Age
21

Obey Get
traffic drivers
18 license
rules

16
Wear
seat
belt Get learners permit Have school permit
14

12 Pretend
to drive
at the
wheel
10

5
Use
seat
belt
1

31
Right Angle

1. Topic
Select topic. Individuals can bring information/ideas to session or read an article in session for
information.
TOPIC:_______________________________

2. Facts
If using an article, either use Roundrobin or Jigsaw as strategies to share with the group the
necessary facts. Think about the main ideas. What are the facts that we need to remember or think
about as most important?
If using a handout, complete the facts individually as you are reflecting or reading the article.
If using chart paper, recorder records the facts as verbally shared with the group.

3. Implication
What meaning do we get from these facts?
The groups needs to come to consensus and state in one or two sentences the meaning gained
from sharing the facts.

4. Application
What will we do with this information? This is really a first step in action planning. What do we
want to do with the information that we have just read and shared?

Use Roundrobin as the strategy to get input from each team member.
Try to get at least one idea from each team member of an action to take based on the information
and meaning gained from the article, video, or ideas.

Bellanca, James. (1990) The cooperative think tank: Graphic organizers to teach thinking in the cooperative classroom.
Palatine, IL: Skylight Publishing.

32
Right Angle
Purpose: To organize thinking from facts to application

Topic: __________________________________________
Implication: (What it means)

Facts: (What it says)

Application: (What I will do with the information.)

33
Gathering Grid

Name: Name: Question Name: Name:

Category
Who?
What?
Where?
When?
How?

1. Develop Grid
Use handout with grid
Develop grid on chart paper
- Criteria or question category go in the center to help focus
- Columns addedone per person
- Rows added according to number of criteria or questions
- Write the name of each person in top boxone name per box (same row as category title)
- Can use basic W questions or develop specific questions

2. Complete the Grid

If using the handout, use Roundrobin as the structure with the roles of facilitator and recorder.
Facilitator reads the question and each person gives his/her response and recorder writes
comments under his/her name in appropriate box (same row as question given). Do one question at
a time with input from each person. When the row is completed, facilitator needs to guide the
discussion noting similarities and differences in comments made by each individual.
If using chart paper, facilitator reads the question and then each person reflects in writing their
response on a post-it. When each person has completed his/her response for one specific
question, then each post-it is put up by the individual as he/she verbally shares with the group.
When the row is completed, facilitator needs to guide the discussion noting similarities and
differences in comments made by each individual. Then proceed with one question at a time
with one post-it comment from each individual. Reflect in writing and then verbally share.

Bellanca, James. (1990) The cooperative think tank: Graphic organizers to teach thinking in the cooperative classroom.
Palatine, IL: Skylight Publishing.

34
 Gathering Grid
Topic:

Name Name Question Category Name Name

35
How Do I Learn To Do It?
Experts who study how people teach and learn effectively identify six steps that make learning to do
something new, clear and easy. You will have the benefit of learning more efficiently if you know what to
look for, why you might be confused, and what kind of help to ask for.

Directions: Complete the flowchart to record why each of the steps in learning a new skill is important.

1. Identify when you have learned something like this before. Connecting new learning to something you
already know makes it easier and less confusing to learn the new skill. You are more confident that you
will be able to do the new activity because you remember how well you can already do something
similar.

2. Listen for the objective that describes what you are about to learn. By understanding at the
beginning what the lesson is about, you keep the purpose of the lesson in mind and connect the rest of
the lesson to it. If you miss hearing the objective, you may almost follow the steps that the teacher is
explaining, but not really understand what the process if for.

3. Be sure that you follow carefully the explanation or demonstration that the teacher shows you. If you
misunderstand any step, you may not be able to do the process. Check yourself to be sure you
understand why, as well as how, each step in the process is done.

4. Did you practice the process enough while the teacher could help you? Although you think you
understand how to do something at the time, you may later find out that you misunderstood or cannot
remember how to do one of the steps.

5. Can you do the process accurately and quickly? Teachers assign the number of practice problems
necessary for most students to do the task fast and well. Only you know whether you do the process
quickly and accurately enough.

6. When will you use the process again? Expecting to use it helps you realize how well you understand it
now and reminds you of the process when you are asked to use it again.

36
 How Do I Learn To Do It?

Why Is It Important To Know?

Example

What Am I Learning?

When Have I Learned Something Like This Before?

How Is It Done?

Can I Do It?

Can I Do It Faster and Well?

Do I Know When To Use It Again?

37
Team Discussion Organizers

Stems
Stems are sentence starters. The most powerful stems will cause reflection and promote integration of new
information with prior knowledge, experience, or understandings.
Samples:
One thing I want to remember is __________________.
One question I am asking myself right now is _________________.
One significant discovery I made is ___________________.
When I leave this meeting, one thing I am going to try is ________________.
One question that is still unanswered for me is ___________________.

Trio (321)
This strategy can be used at the end of a discussion to pull things together and give future direction.
Participants are asked to write/share 6 pieces of information. The headings attached to each number can
be changed as appropriate to group needs, timeframe, discussion topic, etc. This strategy is also good for
journaling or reflection at the end of a discussion or meeting.
Samples:

3 recollections 3 books or resources youve used

2 observations 2 new things you found out
1 insights 1 thing you found difficult

3 important ideas you want to remember 3 interesting things you found out about
2 things you would like to know more about 2 ways you might use this information
1 idea that you are looking forward to trying 1 thing you want to be sure to tell a friend

321+1
A similar strategy after completion of the 3-2-1 process is to have participants get up and find someone
new to Add one to their listing from someone else.

Give One to Get One

This strategy works great as a review exercise for bringing the group back on track or to just review newly
introduced concepts. Participants write down one thing that they have learned/will apply, etc. on a note
card. At the signal, participants move about the room exchanging cards. At the next signal, they return to
home base and share what they have learned from their travels about the room.

Defining Your Purpose

Quite often team discussions can become endless without a defined purpose and known outcome.
To be successful, the purpose should be stated as a verb and the outcome as a noun. The verbs
and nouns that you use should be clear, concise, and focused enough to be doable.

38
S.W.O.T. Analysis

S.W.O.T. is an analysis mechanism to look at strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats.

S A M P L E : The process was used after team meetings or class meeting to analyze and improve how they
operated as a functioning group.

Did we get through the agenda? If not, why not?

confusion as to our goal
communication problems
Strengths, Weaknesses & Threats

lack of information
lack of motivation
interference of some kind--emergency, personal problem, team member called
away...?

Did everyone have the opportunity to participate in the discussion? If not, why not?
lack of adequate notification of agenda items and/or time to prepare
one or two team members did all the talking and the rest felt closed out
lack of time
lack of interest or reluctance to disagree; unsureness about how others would react
factions and emotion disrupted flow of communication?

Were necessary group task and maintenance roles operating freely to promote ease in problem solving and
intercommunications? If not, why not?
confusion as to role
competition and lack of role stability
negatism and introduction of personalities?

What kind of first aid would be most helpful in getting us back on the track?
help in understanding our goals
help in practicing human relations techniques
Opportunity

help in discovering the positive behaviors inherent in the various roles (through role
playing) and practice in using them to build harmony and role stability
help in improving techniques of observation as a means of enhancing our
effectiveness as a group, especially in areas such as planning and problem solving
a team in-service program
personal in-service programs
the services of an objective troubleshooter from outside the team--perhaps the
school principal or curriculum coordinator

39
S.W.O.T. Analysis

Strengths: Weaknesses:

Opportunities: Threats:

40
PMI Plus-Minus-Interesting
Thinking - Reasoning Skill

Purposes
To help students evaluate and extend understanding about facts, concepts, thinking processes, and
cooperative interactions
To encourage students to investigate and examine all sides of an issue.

Vocabulary
Plus - a benefit
Minus - a drawback
Interesting Question - a question or comment
Inquiry - the act of investigating or finding out about something
Evaluate - to weigh, value, judge importance, or assess
Play Devils Advocate - to argue for a position whether or not you agree with it, for the sake of
argument

Thinking Skills
Evaluating, Inquiring

STEPS to PMI
1. Draw a PMI frame on the board or overhead. Label each column and explain the term and its use.
Explain that plus comments will show what students see as positives, minus what comments will
show they see as negatives, and interesting questions will show what they would like to know about
the topic or its pluses and minuses.

2. Above the PMI frame on the board or overhead, write the topic for discussion.

3. Once you have a topic, one with which your students are familiar, assign roles for small group work,
review the cooperative guidelines, and distribute one blank PMI per trio. Allow the groups three to
five minutes for listing the pluses of the topic. Repeat the procedure for the minus list.

4. After the minus list time is up, give the opportunity for each group to ask the interesting questions.

5. After each group has finished its question list, invite one plus, one minus, and one question from each
group.

6. After reviewing the procedures, ask students to explain when and where they might use a PMI, how it
can help their thinking in school and outside school, and what the advantages of using a PMI are.

41
PMI: Plus Minus Interesting

Name Class

P (+)

M (-)

I (?)

!"#$%#&'()'*&+$"&'&#',-.-/'0-1"2#3''45#'!--6#"$%78#'457.9'4$.9'::

42
Scored Discussion

Purpose: To monitor and validate student achievement in the ability to express ideas clearly as a member
of a social group.

Procedures:
1. Determine the criteria and/or indicators of successful social dialogue.
2. Select materials that promotes objectives (written or visual).
3. Create an agenda for the successful performance of the criteria.
Example: Agenda
1. Define the problem or issue.
2. What position does the writer of the article take on the issue?
3. Decide how that position agrees or disagrees with your own.
4. In-service the strategy:
a. Explain the criteria
b. Stress appropriateness vs. quantity, establish maximums
c. Allow student observation time to demonstrate objectivity
5. Score all students.
6. Give feedback, whats right, whats wrong and how to fix.
7. Provide accountability - for continuous improvement.

Example: Discussion Score Sheet

Positive Points Negative Points
(2) 1. Taking a position on a question ______ (-2) 1. Not paying attention or distracting
(1) 2. Making a relevant comment (Max) ______! others ______
(2) 3. Using evidence to support a position (-2) 2. Interruption ______
or presenting factual information ______! (-1) 3. Irrelevant comment ______
(1) 4. Drawing another person into the (-1) 4. Monopolizing ______
discussion ______ (-3) 5. Personal Attack ______
(2) 5. Recognizing contradictions in another
persons statements ______
(2) 6. Recognizing when another person Points______________________
makes an irrelevant comment ______
(2) 7. Making an analogy ______
(1) 8. Asking a clarifying question or moving
the discussion along ______

43
Scored Discussion

Topic

Criteria

Agenda

Summary,
So,

44
 Continuous Improvement Tools

Affinity Diagram

Affinity diagram is a planning tool that is used when you are trying to:
Add structure to a large or complicated issue
Break down a complicated issue into easy-to-understand categories
Gain agreement on an issue or situation

Step 1: State the issue or problem to be worked on

Set a time limit for the session (4560 minutes)
State a clear, objective problem that all agree to

Step 2: Generate ideas for the issue in question (index cards/post-its)

Each participant thinks of ideas and writes them individually on cards
List one idea per card

Step 3: Collect the cards or post-its

Collect all cards, mix them up, and then spread them out on a flat surface

Step 4: Arrange the cards or post-its into related groups

All participants should pick out cards that list related ideas and set them aside. Repeat until all
cards have been placed in groupings.
Process takes about 15 minutes and works best when conversation between participants is not
allowed.

Step 5: Create a title or heading for each group

Develop a title or heading that best describes each group of cards.
Headings should be one to three words.
Groups that are similar should be placed next to each other.
May wish to combine similar groups into one large group.
Continue until there is agreement from team on grouping of cards.

Step 6: Wrap the session

Major groups have been identified
Assignments have been made pertaining to results

Chang, R. and Niedzwiecki, M. Continuous Improvement Tools: Volume 1. Irvine, CA: Richard Chang Associates, Inc. Publications
Division, 1993.

45
Force Field Analysis 1

Force Field Analysis is an analysis tool that is used when you are trying:
To identify roadblocks to reaching the goal
To identify possible causes and solutions to a problem or an improvement opportunity
To achieve goal but team seems to be stalled

1. Describe the current situation. Is this definition agreed to by all involved?

2. Review the data supporting the definition of current situation.

3. Review the goal statement on action plan. Is there agreement on it?

4. Determine driving and restraining forces.

Helping: actions, skills, procedures, culture, people, etc. that help move you toward your goal.

Hindering: actions, skills, procedures, culture, people, etc. that can keep you from reaching your goal.

Force Field Analysis

Helping Hindering

Chang, R. and Niedzwiecki, M. (1993). Continuous improvement tools, Vol. 1. Irvine, CA: Richard Chang Associates, Inc.

46
An example of how to use the Force Field Analysis for problem solving about behavior issues is:

Action Guide #3Schools

Critical Element 19: Developing and Teaching Behavioral Guidelines
The development and instruction of general behavioral norms and expectations will provide
overarching principles to guide the learning of specific behaviors. The behavioral guidelines will
support a safe, positive, learning environment.

Question: What are the behaviors and that help/hinder learning in the classroom?

Helping Hindering
Follow body basics (keep hands and feet to Tattling
yourself) Unresolved conflicts
Follows directions Playground problems that are carried over
Take care of equipment into the classroom after recess
On time
Listen when others are speaking
Use proper language

Focus: Conflict

Question: If we put more energy into helping side, will it affect the hindering side? If we
continue to promote listening when others are speaking and using proper language as part of the
training in conflict resolution skills, will the problems listed on the hindering diminish?

47
Force Field Analysis 2

Ground Rule #1: Do not evaluate the ideas.

Ground Rule #2: Only the discussion leader may interact with the listenerand he may only ask
clarifying questions designed to catch the meaning of the idea.
Ground Rule #3: Have a recorder list the ideas where they can be kept on display.

Note: If someones ideas are seemingly unrelated or diametrically opposed to the discussion leaders
views, they still should be listed. (Reserve judgment!)

Steps:
1. On paper list (individually) six forces which impact positively on this (a given) situation. For example:
list six things that keep us from nuclear confrontation.

2. Below these, list six forces that impact negatively on this situation. For example: list six things
impelling us toward nuclear confrontation.

3. The leader calls on each person and elicits one positive force from each person.

* This process may continue: A) until new ideas emerge, or B) until each person has had an opportunity to
suggest one or two.

4. Next, the discussion leader elicits a similar response from the group with respect to forces that are
negative. The procedure is the same.

At this time, two lists should exist: 1) Forces against, and 2) Forces for.

Give each person two votes. Ask them to vote for the two forces (in the negative column) that have the
greatest potency to keep an initiative from being successful.

Tabulate the votes. (Show of hands, calling out numbers, post its, etc.)

Using the Force Field Anaylsis form, list the most potent positive and negative forces operating.

If time permits, break the group up into teams of 3 people. Ask them to identify 3 ways in which
the key negative force (the one getting the most votes) can be overcome.

List their solutions.

48
 Force Field Analysis

Problem:

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

__________________________________________________________________________________

Forces Which Are Potential Allies in Solving the Problems

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

Forces Operating Against the Solution of the Problem

1.

2.

3.

4.

5.

6.

49
Cause and Effect Diagram

Cause and Effect diagram (also known as Fishbone diagram) is an analysis tool used to:
Categorize potential causes of a problem or issue
Analyze what is really happening in a process
Teach teams and individuals about new processes or procedures

1. Prepare for the Cause and Effect session

Recorder creates a flip chart (refer to diagram)

Provide time limit to session (60 minutes)

2. Identify the effect

Effect refers to the issue (problem) you are trying to change.
Recorder writes the effect in the box on the right side of diagram.

3. Identify the major cause categories

Major causes are identified and boxes labeled.
Possible categories:
methods, machines, materials, people
place, procedure, people, policies
surroundings, suppliers, systems, skills

4. Brainstorm potential causes for the problem

Brainstorm ideas, agree as a group where to place on diagram OR individually write on post-its to
share with group and agree before placing on flip chart.
May list a possible cause under more than one major category.

5. Review each major cause category

Look for causes that appear in more than one category
Circle most likely causes
Ask question: Why is this a cause?
Record answers to why?

6. Reach an agreement on most probable cause(s)

Narrow list down from the most likely causes to the most probable causes

7. Wrap up the Cause and Effect session

Most probable causes have been identified
Assignments to gather data to prove/disprove most probable causes

Chang, R. and Niedzwiecki, M. Continuous Improvement Tools: Volume 1. Irvine, CA: Richard Chang Associates, Inc. Publications Division,
1993.

50
 Sample

Instruction Curriculum
Resources Student Centered
Outcome Based

Diverse Integrated

Hands On
Coop Lrng. Alternative Assessment
Lrng. Style
Technology

Identifiable
Reform Efforts
Supportive Accessible

Reflective
On-Going Inst Quality
Resource
Shared Vision

Prof Development

Vision Dev Flexible

Community Facilities Staff

51
The Fish Bone

EFFECT

52
Five Whys

What? The Five Whys? are simply a process of asking Why? at least five time in a row to detect the
root cause or meaning of a particular problem or situation.
Where? The Five Whys? are used any place there is a human factor present. Cut through layers of
bureaucracy to find the true meaning.
When? Asking Why? is necessary when people do not truly understand the situation or when a deeper
understanding is necessary.
Why? The Five Whys?:
Cause people to use higher order thinking skills
Cut through layers of bureaucracy to find the true meaning
Cause people to challenge their current situation or problem

Example: Discussion about implementing Block Scheduling

Q. Why isnt more time being spent working collaboratively?
A. There is not enough time in class.
Q. Why isnt there enough time in class?
A. There is too much material to cover.
Q. Why is there too much material to cover?
A. We keep adding, but dont abandon things in our curriculum.
Q. Why do we keep adding, but we dont abandon things in our curriculum?
A. We dont know whats important to keep and/or throw out.
Q. Why dont we know whats important to keep and/or throw out?
A. We dont coordinate with other teachers very well between and within grade levels.

Team consensus was reached: a process to help In addition, survey responses indicate that
articulate curriculum content between and within collaborative work is perceived as something else
grade levels was the first thing that needed to be to do instead of a process for accomplishing work.
worked on (root cause of the problem). This step The group will ask that people share and continue
is needed if block scheduling is implemented or to focus on building in collaborative work
not. An external person to facilitate the process practices. At least 5 minutes will be dedicated to
will need to be identified and in-service time will this topic at all grade-level meetings and faculty
be used to implement a process for sorting and meetings. The team will continue to monitor time
selecting the content to be taught at each grade spent in collaborative work once each trimester.
level throughout the district.

Theory Statements: If, we improve the process to select and abandon content, then more time will be
available for collaborative classroom activities. If, we promote ideas about how to build in collaborative
classroom activities, then more time will be spent on collaborative activities in the classroom.

53
Process

1. Identify a problem, situation or concept to be studied.

2. Ask Why? this particular condition exists.
3. Each time the question Why? is answered ask Why? again.
4. Continue to ask Why? until everyone involved is satisfied they have arrived at the root cause.

54
If...Then

The If...Then strategy developed by David Langford is helpful in predicting the consequences of decisions
that we make, and useful tool in the development of a theory of change.

What is it? The If...Then strategy is a projection tool used for prediction of consequences of proposed changes.

When is it used? The If...Then strategy is used when a team or individual needs a safe method to compare and study the
ramifications of proposed changes in a system.

Where is it used? The If...Then strategy is a useful process to study the predicted consequences of multiple improvement
options.

Why is it used? Allows people to look further into the future rather than just identifying the next step.
Helps everyone in an improvement process understand the ramifications of change.
Can be used to prioritize suggested improvement by studying the consequences of improvement.

Sample uses: Use the If...Then strategy:

to study what would happen if we no longer collected tardy data.
to predict what would happen if we removed grades or eliminated performance appraisals.
to study proposed classroom management improvements.
to study different fund raising activities.
to study the problems with different room arrangements.
to study moving teachers to different buildings.

The Process
1. Clearly state the proposed change.
2. Brainstorm the first proposed change and record responses.

If we...Then...If we...Then...If we...

Example: If we...changed to a block schedule

Then...we would need more time for teachers to plan together
If we...schedule for teacher planning time
Then...that would impact the teacher-student contact time
If we...started planning with students instead of for them...

3. It may be important to compare the consequences of several improvement strategies.

55
C & S - Consequence and Sequel

Focus:
C & S is a crystallization of the process of looking ahead to see the consequences of some action,
plan, decision, rule, and/or invention.

C & S deals with what may happen after the decision has been made. There are immediate
consequences as well as short-term (1-5 years), medium-term (5-25 years) and long-term
consequences (over 25 years).

C & S is concerned with action of some sort, either the action that one intends to take oneself or
the action that others are taking. The intention is to enlarge the view beyond the immediate effect
of that action. An action may seem worthwhile if the immediate effect is good. But, if one makes a
deliberate effort to look at longer term consequences, the action may not be worthwhile at all.
Conversely, an action that has good long-term consequences may not seem very enticing at the
moment.

Principles:
Other people may be able to see the consequences of your action more easily than you can
yourself.
It is important to know whether the consequences are reversible or not.
The immediate consequences and the long-term consequences may be opposite: immediate
consequences may be good and long-term consequences bad, or the other way around.
You should look at the consequences, not only as they affect you but as they affect other people as
well.
You should do a full C & S before deciding which consequences you should consider.

Process:
Open discussion with the class as a whole, acting as individuals rather than groups.
Do long-term consequences matter?
If it is not easy to see the consequences should you bother with them?
When is it most useful to look at the consequences?
Whose business is it to look at consequences?

56
C & S = ? Consequence and Sequence

IF

THEN

57
Consensus Building Tips

What Is It?
To reach consensus is to give permission to go along with the total group. The implication of consensus is
that there is general agreement that has been negotiated by the individuals involved. Listening, trust,
sharing, and respect are values inherent in the process.
Consensus Means: All group members contribute. Everyones opinions are heard and encouraged.
Differences are viewed as helpful. Everyone can paraphrase the issue. Everyone has a chance to express
feelings about the issue. Those who disagree indicate a willingness to experiment for a certain period of
time. All members share the final decision. All members agree to take responsibility for implementing the
final decision.
Consensus Does NOT Mean: A unanimous vote is sought. The result is everyones first choice. Everyone
agrees (there may only be enough support for the decision to be carried out). Conflict and resistance will
be overcome immediately.

Arbuckle, Margaret A. & Murray, Lynn B. (1989). Building Systems for Professional Growth: An Action Guide. Andover, MD: The
Regional Laboratory for Educational Improvement of the Northeast and Islands.

100% Consensus (A Process to Shape Vision, Clarify Thinking, Develop Consensus)

1. Establish Topic or Purpose:
Clearly define the topic or purpose. You might find that stating it in the form of a question might
make brainstorm sharing easier.
2. Group Scribing of Brainstorming
Recorder/scribe records on chart paper every word said during round robin brainstorm.
3. 100% Consensus
Using a list from brainstorming, the facilitator, in round robin format, asks for each item: Is there
anyone who objects to this item? If someone objects to an item, word, phrase, etc. the scribe changes
the item, word, phrase, etc. as indicated. This continues as long as there is an objection. (Items, words,
phrases, etc. can be changed, returned to original, or changed again until everyone is satisfiedthis
surfaces any conflict for discussion, resolution, etc.) The process continues until everyone passes on
each item. Do not try to put a time limit on thisdo it until it is done, not with economy of time in
mind.
4. Inclusive Connecting Statement
Volunteers, or scribes from each group if you have multiple groups, take the list(s) and create an
inclusive, extensive narrative using all the words in the list(s). Meaning should be retained although
tense, person, etc. may be changed to read smoothly.

Public Minutes:
Have someone act as a recorder who writes the exact words of participants so everyone can see them
on chart paper.
Public minutes provide everyone access to all ideas being considered at all times rather than just the
recorder. It also saves time to have the ideas all easily visible to everyone rather than to have the
recorder continually reading them back to everyone.
This strategy encourages people to be concise in their comments when they realize everything they say
has to be written down.

58
Individual Reflection:
Give everyone at least 12 minutes to jot down their ideas before sharing orally; this ensures that
everyone has had an opportunity to get their ideas down rather than just going the direction of the
ideas shared by the first one or two people.
Individual reflection time gives those who are internal processors (need to reflect quietly on ideas)as
opposed to external processors (need to say ideas)an opportunity to be active participants once the
oral sharing begins.
This strategy gives people an opportunity to get their ideas into a concise format before sharing orally.

Operational Definitions
A term or concept to be defined is written on the chalkboard. Each member of a team writes his/her
own definition, independent of the other team members.
After all team members have written, each persons paper is passed to all other members of the team,
one at a time. As each paper is read, key terms are underlined.
As a group, the underlined terms are incorporated into one operating definition that is mutually agreed
upon. Everyone has had ownership in the definition.

Clear Out Voting:

Clear out voting is way to narrow the list to the ideas most of the people in the group prefer.
The facilitator reads each item on the list and each participant holds up an open hand if they want to
keep the item on the list or a closed fist if they want the item dropped. Items with more than half the
group showing closed hands are crossed off with a single line.
It is a good idea to make the statement that all of the ideas on the list are important, but you are unable
to include them all so you are trying to narrow it to what is manageable at this time.

Weighted or Multi-Voting:
The facilitator reads each item on the list and each participant holds up 1, 2 or 3 fingers depending on
how important that item is to them. Encourage them to limit their 1 choices (least important) and
3 choices (most important) so that you can begin to separate the vital few from the trivial many.
For example, on a list of 10 items, encourage them to use a 1 and a 3 only once or twice each.
Give them a few minutes to scan the list before you begin and determine which items will receive their
top and bottom votes.
Alternate strategy: Give each person a certain number of dots which they can divide up in any way
they chose on the list of ideas generated. If you have 10 items on the list, you may want to give them
35 dots. They can put all of their dots on one item if it is very important to them, one dot each on
separate items, or any combination in between. This is good to use when you are going into a break
and need to do something with the information before people come back together again. It is also
good when you have several lists coming together from different groups and you want all participants
to respond to the combined lists.

59
Consensogram

1. Each person in the group is given a 3x3 sticky note. To assure anonymity, do not put names on the
sticky notes.
2. Determine what is going to be measured. (Examples: To what extent do you believe that harassment is
a problem? To what extent to you believe that studying is related to school success? To what extent do
you believe students should join extracurricular activities?) Write the question for everyone to see.
3. Each person writes down (in increments of 10%) what he thinks, feels, or where he stands on an issue.
(Keep all answers between 0% and 100%; no negative numbers may be used.)
4. Collect the responses on the sticky notes.
5. Pick a place on a smooth surface and post the responses in the form of a histogram.
6. Discuss the findings.

100% Variation:
The difference between perception and
reality may be shown through the use of
90% the consensogram.

Questions such as How many

80% sophomores smoke? Drink? Shoplift?,
etc. may be posted.
70%
In the first round, complete the
consensogram as described. In the second
60% round, students write yes or no as
their own response to the question. The
(reality) answers are then counted and
50% compared to the perceived number of
students who smoke, drink, etc.
40%

60
Imagineering

1. Clearly state the objective of the Imagineering session (to identify what an individual or team envisions
as the perfect or ideal project, process, situation, etc.).
2. Each person in the group is given 5 minutes to write down as many responses to the stated objective
as possible.
3. The team compiles the responses.
4. The team reviews responses for clarity and justification. This process aids in the construction of a
shared vision among the members of the team or class; it helps in goal setting to reach the perfect
state.

Examples:
In my mind a quality project would be
The perfect family situation would have
My idea of being independent is
The perfect job would
An ideal date would be

61
Fist to Five

In the Fist to Five process, once the task force or committee has indicated they are moving in a clear
direction, the facilitator simply state the proposal or direction as he or she perceives it at this point. Then
the facilitator asked every member of the group to indicate to the rest of the group how he or she feels
about that direction based on a scale of fist to five.

Fist to Five simply means the following:

Fist Signifies blockno support
One finger Very little agreement lent will support the decision
Two fingers Little agreement
Three fingers Moderate agreement
Four fingers High agreement
Five fingers Complete agreement

In other words, Fist to Five provides a scale, from no vote to a yes vote, with varying degrees in
between. If these are all threes, fours, and fives, the decision has been made by consensus.

Once everyone in the group has indicated how he or she feels, the leader should turn to any blocker and
ask, What part of our current proposal do you object to? The reason for doing this is two-fold. First,
one individual may see a problem that the rest have not seen. If that person holds up a fist and indicates
that there is a problem, then its possible for others to see the light, compromise and save a lot of grief
down the road. Secondly, it puts the responsibility or accountability where it rightfully belongswith the
person who has an objection. This forces that person to state openly to the rest of his or her colleagues
exactly what he or she objects to and why. This reduces the possibility that the individual will simply object
because he or she doesnt feel well that day or he or she doesnt like the person who proposed.

Fist to Five has other advantages:

The leader knows that to implement a decision, the group should have no fewer than 65% in the
35 category, as long as there are not 20% organized against that decision. The closer that 35
category comes to 80%, the better chance for smooth implementation.
The process also tells the leader where to invest his or her time. The greatest return will be realized
if the leader invests the majority of his or her time with the 3s and 4s. The 4s are already
predisposed to the idea and with good support and information, they may become leaders or 5s.
The 3s, who are neutral on the issue to begin with, again with good support and information, may
become 4s. The more who become 4s and 5s, the greater chance there is for a smooth, strong
implementation.

62
Turn to Your Partner (TTYP)
When you have a great deal of information to share or when you want people to internalize a concept
before you move on to another concept, it is a good idea to let them talk to someone else about it briefly.

Ask participants to pair up with 1 other person and take 5 minutes to discuss what they heard, or what
was important to them in what they heard, or how they could apply what they heard to their own
situation, etc. What you ask them to do depends on the content of what has been shared and where
you are going next in the agenda.

At the end of the 5 minutes you can ask if any one had anything really important that they would like
to share with the whole group, but it is not necessary for this strategy to be effective and sometimes
takes more time than you want to give. The important part of the strategy is that they can talk about
their ideas to someone else, not that they hear all ideas in the room.

If you are presenting to a group and there seems to be a lot of side-bar conversations going on in the
roomit may not be that you have lost their attention. It may be that what you are saying is so
important to them that they need the opportunity to process it out loud with someone else. That is a
good time to use this strategy.

When you use it for consensus building, it is a good idea to take time at least every 30 minutes to use
this strategy and have people turn to a different partner each time so ideas in the room can begin to
build on each other.

Pair-Square
Start participants in a small group of 3 or 4 people. Rationale: most people will be more comfortable to
share their ideas in a small group, but not too small or they often get stuck.
Be sure you have an even number of groups whose combinations will eventually result in 2 groups
coming together.

For example if you have 8 groups:

First combination: 8 Groups 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6; 7; 8
Second combination: 4 Groups 1 & 2; 3 & 4; 5 & 6; 7 & 8
Third combination: 2 Groups 1, 2, 3 &4; 5, 6, 7, &8
Fourth Combination: 1 Group 1, 2, 3, 4, 5, 6, 7, & 8

It wont work as well if you have 6 groups:

First combination: 6 Groups 1; 2; 3; 4; 5; 6
3 Groups 1 & 2; 3 & 4; 5 & 6
? Groups ??

Be sure to ask each group to appoint a facilitator to keep them on time and on task and a recorder for
public minutes. They need to be prepared to take their public minutes with them to the combination
groups.
At each move they need an opportunity to ask for clarification of items. Only the group/person who
contributed the item may give the clarification response.
Push them to reduce their list at each move so that you end up with a reasonable number of items to
work with depending on the situation/need.
Combinations of items can occur if they are the same but discourage combinations to just get to a
smaller list because the items lose meaning.

63
Reaching Consensus

Your Thinking

1. What are our current practices?

2. What are the beliefs that support current practices?

3. What are evidences that current practices are working/not working?

4. What are the suggested practices?

5. What are the beliefs that support suggested practices?

6. What is the best we can hope for if we dont explore the suggested practices?

7. What is the best we can hope for if we do explore the suggested practices?

8. Is it worth it?

9. What are the conditions that would increase the probability of best results?

Others Thinking

64
Six Hat Thinking

Information Benefits

Allows neutrality Allows positive constructive assessment

Explores facts and figures with NO Explores the benefits & values, & the dreams &
interpretations or opinions visions
Uses focusing questions Uses focusing questions
How much? What is the objective?
How often? What is the idea based on?
How long? How will it get us (me) closer to the
How many? vision?
Who? Who will benefit?
Fact or belief? How will it help?
Fact or likelihood? What are the benefits?

Judgment Feelings

Allows logical negative assessment Allows for the legitimizing of emotions &
Explores risks, dangers and inconsistencies feelings
with Explores ordinary emotions such as fears,
past experiences dislikes, suspicions & complex emotions like
Not an argument hunches, intuitions, senses & aesthetics
Uses focusing questions No need to justify or give reason for feelings or
What are any errors in the facts? emotions
What roadblocks are there? Uses focusing statement
Is it worth doing? This makes me feel
What risks are there? When I think of all this will take I
Who will be affected negatively? feel
When I think of what I will have to
do to be able to make this idea work,
I feel

Creativity Actions

Allows for creation of new ideas and Allows control of the thinking & organizes it
responsible changes into action
Explores new approaches, routes, options, Produces summaries, overviews, conclusions,
choices, avenues, structures, resources, and suggested directions & next step action
methods. Uses focusing questions
Uses focusing statements What is the first step?
The chance for success is greater if Where do we go from here?
we (I) Who do we need to communicate our
What if? plan?
I wonder? Who will be the taskmaster?
Where could this take us? What checkpoints or benchmarks or
How many different ways can we timelines can be proposed?
attack the problem?

65
Six Hat Thinking

What are the facts?

INFORMATION

What are the good points?

BENEFITS

What is/could be wrong with this?

JUDGMENT

What do I feel about this?

FEELINGS

What new ideas are possible?

CREATIVITY

How can we put our ideas into action?

ACTIONS

De Bono, Edward. (1991). Six Thinking Hats for School. Logan, Iowa: Perfection Learning Corporation. ISBN 1-56312-096-8

66
CAF Consider All Factors

Thinking/Reasoning Skill - decision making, planning, drawing conclusion, making judgment

Purpose:
CAF = Consider All Factors
When you have to choose or make a decision or just think about something, there are always many factors
that you have to consider. If you leave out some of these factors, your choice may seem right at the time
but will later turn out to be wrong. When you are looking at other peoples thinking, you can try and see
what factors they have left out.

Principles:
Doing a CAF is useful before choosing, deciding or planning.
It is better to consider all the factors first, then pick out the ones that matter most.
You may have to ask someone else to tell you whether you have left out some important factors.
If you have left out an important factor, your answer may seem right but will later turn out to be
wrong.
If you do a CAF on someone elses thinking, you may be able to tell the person what has been left out.

Process Tips:
People naturally assume that they have considered all the factors, but usually their consideration is limited
to the obvious ones. Turning CAF into a deliberate operation switches attention from the importance of
the factors to looking around for all the factors. Clearly, it is difficult to consider all the factors, so in the
teaching situation consideration can be limited to the ten most important factors (or any other number), or
the lesson can be taught in terms of:
the factors affecting oneself
the factors affecting other people
the factors affecting society in general
- This gives the lesson structure.

67
C A F Consider All Factors

Your Thinking

+
Other Thinking

68
Four Corners

Procedure:
Label Corners: Strongly Agree, Agree, Disagree, Strongly Disagree.
Place strongest opinions in diagonal corners, the furthest apart.

Hand Out List of issues or belief statements, be clear that they MAY NOT put their names on them.
Have them privately label each statement w/code:
SA=Strongly Agree
A=Agree
D=Disagree
SD=Strongly Disagree

Collect, shuffle and redistribute, telling people that they must put it back in the mix if they recognize it to
be their own.

Tell them that when they move to a corner, they must meet and greet one another (handshake, names,
etc.) and subgroup themselves into groups of no more than five so that they will be part of the discussion.

Once they have done that, then they will have one or two minutes to brainstorm that issue from that
perspectivewhether it agrees with their thinking or not.

They must appoint a spokesperson that will share their groups thinking when called upon.

Call Off the number of the item or the issue and have them move to the corner that represents the person
whose paper they are carrying.

Lead the discussion by moving back and forth from group to group, keep the talk positive.
Record their responses.

Once the issues have been openly talked through, then have the group try to summarize or generate their
beliefs about the issue and what actions should be taken.

69
Four Corners

CODE:
SA=Strongly Agree A=Agree D=Disagree SD=Strongly Disagree

!
Issues
!
!
_____1.

_____2.

_____3.

_____4.

_____5.

_____6.

_____7.

_____8.

_____9.

_____10.

70
OPV Other Peoples Views

Focus:
OPV is the process of looking at other peoples viewpoints.
Being able to look at and understand another persons point of view may be a very important part indeed of the
thinking process, and so a deliberate effort may have to be made to see another point of view. This deliberate
effort is the OPV. It may apply to another persons point of view or to other peoples points of view in general.

OPV = Other Peoples Views:

Many thinking situations involve other people. What these other people think is just as much part of the
situation as the factors, the consequences, the objectives, etc. These other people may have a very different
viewpoint. Although they are in the same situation, they may look at things very differently. It is a very
important part of thinking to be able to tell how other people are thinking, trying to see things from another
persons viewpoint is what doing an OPV is about. Another person may consider different factors (CAF), see
different consequences (C & S), have different objectives (AGO), or priorities (FIP). In fact, all the thinking
that you do for yourself, others may be doing for themselves - but differently.

Principles:
You ought to be able to see the other point of view whether you agree with it or not.
Every point of view may be right for the person holding it, but not right enough to be imposed on others.
Different people have different positions, backgrounds, knowledge, interests, values, wants, etc., so it is not
surprising that in the same situation viewpoints may differ greatly.
Try to see whether the other person can see your viewpoint.
Be able to articulate the differences and similarities between viewpoints.

71
OPV: Other Peoples Views

AGREE

Why:

STRONGLY DISAGREE STRONGLY AGREE

Why: Why:

DISAGREE

Why:

72
 Decision-Making Strategies

Cooperative Processing
Cooperative processing is a strategy that allows equal opportunities for contributing ideas. Key characteristics
include: 1) Forced participation/equal opportunity through in-turn response and the pass rule; 2) the prevention of
domination from individuals in the group; 3) focusing the group at all times; 4) higher degree of efficiency; and
5) promotes better communication.
Role assignments: Facilitator:
Starts session and monitors progress
Provides opportunity for everyone to speak
Monitors so that each person speaks in turn and only one person speaks at a time
Recorder:
Records statements
Does not edit
Numbers each item
Process:
1. Individual reflection
Everyone reflects on the question.
Individuals are encouraged to write down their responses.
No talking.
2. In-turn responseIndividual contributions
Each person states one response only or says, Pass, as you move in sequence around the group.
Participants may re-enter the sequence even though they may have already passed.
This process continues until everyone passes or you reach the agreed upon time limit.
Do not mention an item already recorded.
This is not the time for discussion or clarification.
This is an efficient means of gathering information or soliciting opinions of people when no decision needs
to be made. The process can end here or can continue with additional steps to reach a decision.
3. In-turn responseClarification
Examine items for clear understanding.
Explanation given only by the person who contributed the item.
Clarify only. No discussion!
Use in-turn response and pass rule.
4. Discussion ComponentPro/Con statements
In sequence, participants are able to speak on behalf or against any item. Procedure works best using in-turn
response and doing a round(s) for Pro and then a separate round(s) for Con.
No debate!
Do not repeat opinion already stated.
5. Decision/VotingClear-out voting
This step helps to reduce the size of the list if necessary.
Majority rule.
Consider each item.
Everyone must vote on each item. YOU CANNOT PASS.
Vote at a signal from the facilitator, open hand for YES and closed hand for NO.
If the majority votes no on an item, it is removed from the list.
6. Decision/VotingWeighted voting
Vote by assigning a value to each item.
Highest rating is group selection.
Vote on each item. YOU CANNOT PASS.
Conduct final vote by YES/NO, if necessary.

Adapted from: Cooperative Processing by Norman Public Schools, Norman, OK and I-LEAD (1991)

73
Prioritizing Grid
Here is a method for taking ten items and deciding which one is most important to you, which is next
important, etc.

First list (up to) ten items, or choices, or needsThey do not need to be in order of importance.

1. _______________________________________ 6. ___________________________________

2. _______________________________________ 7. ___________________________________

3. _______________________________________ 8. ___________________________________

4. _______________________________________ 9. ___________________________________

5. _______________________________________ 10. ___________________________________

Now compare the items you listed with each of the others using this grid. Circle the preferred one in each
pair of rows A through______________________________

A 1 2

B 1 3 2 3

C 1 4 2 4 3 4

D 1 5 2 5 3 5 4 5

E 1 6 2 6 3 6 4 6 5 6

F 1 7 2 7 3 7 4 7 5 7 6 7

G 1 8 2 8 3 8 4 8 5 8 6 8 7 8

H 1 9 2 9 3 9 4 9 5 9 6 9 7 9 8 9

I 1 10 2 10 3 10 4 10 5 10 6 10 7 10 8 10 9 10

Total time each number was circledenter these totals in the spaces.

1. _____ 2. _____ 3. _____ 4. _____ 5. _____ 6. _____ 7. _____ 8. _____ 9. _____ 10. _____

Relist the items in the order of priorities to you, i.e., the item circled most often is first, etc.

1. _______________________________________ 6. ___________________________________

2. _______________________________________ 7. ___________________________________

3. _______________________________________ 8. ___________________________________

4. _______________________________________ 9. ___________________________________

5. _______________________________________ 10. ___________________________________

74
Decision Makers Flow Chart

Topic: ____________________________________________________________________________

State the need Need:

as a goal.

List alternatives in
each box on this
level

List + for each

alternative

List for each

alternative

Review above information and come to an agreement on best decision

!
!
!
!
Ballanca, James. (1992). The Cooperative Think Tank: II Graphic Organizers to Teach Thinking in the Cooperative
Classroom. Palatine, IL: IRI/Skylight Publishing, Inc.

75
Paired-Choice Matrix
The Paired-Choice Matrix is used when a number of alternatives are available. You compare the pairs of
alternatives until the comparison of pairs produces a single solution (e.g., used when there are eight or
more options).

Use the Paired-Choice Matrix when you want to:

Divide a big decision into smaller, easier to manage decisions.
Make sure each alternative gets fair and equal consideration.
Make the best decision when alternatives are similar.

1. Identify the Issue, Options, and Goal: Clearly define the issue and the goal. Collect a list of options
to decide from in order to reach the goal.

2. Prepare for the Session: Prepare a chart to serve as a matrix for comparing pairs of options.

Alternative A Alternative B Alternative C Total

Alternative A ---------- B C 0
Alternative B X ---------- B 1
Alternative C X X ---------- 1
Total 1 1

List the options along the top and down the side of the chart in the same order, starting with the
first row. Move horizontally across the chart, comparing the first option to every option along
the top line, one pair at a time. Indicate the groups choice for each pair in the corresponding
box. The process is repeated until each possible pair is compared. The option that gets the
greatest number of votes is the final decision.

3. Make Decisions Between Pairs: The facilitator reviews each pair of options and asks for a show
of hands regarding the preference. The recorder records whatever choice prevailsnot the number
of votes. The facilitator repeats the voting for each pair of options above the diagonal line of the
chart.

4. Tally Scores of Paired Choices: For each horizontal line, tally the number of times that choice
prevailed. Record these numbers on the right side of the chart. Tally the scores for each column as
well, recording the scores on the bottom of the matrix. Whichever option has the greatest number
of preferences is the top choice. If there is a tie, then you could ask for a vote of the best choice
or repeat the process with a small chart that includes the short list of options.

5. Discuss and Clarify Results: Review the final choice and discuss what that selection means to the
group. Ask the following questions: what, when, how, and how much?

6. Wrap Up the Paired-Choice Matrix Session: Its time to wrap up when: Decisions are finalized
and group understands what and why of the final decision.

Kelly, P. Keith. (1994). Team decision-making techniques. Irvine, CA: Richard Chang Associates, Inc.

76
FIP First Important Priorities

Purpose:
FIP is a crystallization of the process of picking out the most important ideas, factors,
objectives, consequences, etc. Obviously some of these ideas are more important than others.
The purpose of FIP is to restore the balance in a deliberate manner. It follows activities that
generate as many ideas as possible.
FIP is a judgment situation and there are no absolute answers.

Principles:
1. It is important to get as many ideas as possible first and then to start picking out priorities.
2. Different people may have different priorities in the same situation.
3. You should know exactly why you have chosen something as a priority.
4. If it is difficult to choose the most important things, then try looking at it from the other
direction; dropping out the least important and seeing what you are left with.
5. The ideas not chosen as priorities must not be ignored. They too are considered - but after the
priorities.

Steps to FIP:
Some things are more important than others are. Some factors are more important than others.
Some objectives are more important then others are. Some consequences are more important than
others. In thinking about a situation, after you have generated a number of ideas, you have to
decide which ones are the more important ones so that you can do something about them. After
doing a PMI, CAF, AGO or C&S, you can do an FIP to pick out the most important points; the
ones you have you give priority and deal with first.

77
FIP First Important Priorities

List all options, star the ones you believe are most important:

Why, explain your selection of most important:

78
 Presentation

R.A.F.T. (Role, Audience, Format, & Topics

Purpose:
RAFT technique provides an easy, meaningful way to incorporate writing into content-area instruction.
It includes the following four components:

R: Role of Writer--Who are you? a principal, Beethoven, a human heart?

A: Audience--To whom is this written? a corporation, a scientist, lawyer?
F: Format--What form will it take? a letter, a poem, a journal?
T: Topic + strong verb--What important topic have I chosen? Choose a strong verb to describe your
intent: persuade a corporation to accept your invention; demand payment for an injury; plead for
leniency.

Procedure:
1. Explain that all writers need to consider four components of every composition: role of writer,
audience, format and topic.
2. Brainstorm ideas about a topic. Select several topics from those mentioned.
3. Write RAFT on the board and list possible roles, audiences, formats, and strong verbs that are
appropriate for each topic.
4. Give students some examples to write about; OR after discussing a topic, have students create their
own RAFT writing assignment.

Roles and/or Audiences for Writers

ad agencies
administrators
artists
athletes
businesses
cartoonists

79
 INDEX

100% Consensus .............................................................. 58 Mind Mapping or Visual Representations ................... 26

3-2-1+1 .............................................................................. 38 Mindstreaming ................................................................. 23
4S Brainstorming................................................................ 3
Off to College .................................................................. 17
Affinity Diagram .............................................................. 45 One Stay, Rest Stray........................................................ 17
Agree/Disagree Process........................................... 11, 12 Operational Definition ................................................... 59
OPV Other Peoples Views................................... 71, 72
Baggage Claim................................................................. 5, 6
Bio Poem ..................................................................... 13, 14 Pair-Square ....................................................................... 63
Blooms Taxonomy, Revised............................................. 1 Paired Reading/Read & Explain Pairs.......................... 4
Bubble Process ................................................................. 31 Paired Verbal Fluency........................................................ 4
Paired-Choice Matrix ...................................................... 76
Carbon Sharing................................................................. 17 Paraphrase Passport ........................................................ 18
Cause & Effect Diagram (Fishbone)................ 50, 51, 52 Parking Lot.......................................................................... 3
Chart Paper Sharing......................................................... 17 Pass It Along .................................................................... 17
Clear Out Voting.............................................................. 59 PCI............................................................................... 26, 27
Collaborative Career Map .................................................. 2 People Search.................................................................. 7, 8
Communication Regulators ................................ 18 Plus-Minus-Interesting ............................................. 41, 42
Concept Definition Map ........................................... 19, 21 Presentation ......................................................... 79
Consensogram .................................................................. 60 Prioritizing Grid............................................................... 74
Consensus Building Tips ............................. 58 - 72 Public Minutes ................................................................. 58
Consequence and Sequel.......................................... 56, 57
Consider All Factors ................................................. 67, 68 R.A.F.T.............................................................................. 79
Continuous Improvement Tools................... 45 - 57 Rallyrobin............................................................................. 3
Cooperative Processing....................................................73 Reaching Consensus ....................................................... 64
Cooperative Strategies for Sharing with Ready, Set, Recall....................................................... 15, 16
Multiple Groups ............................................. 17 Revised Blooms Taxonomy.............................................. 1
Right Angle................................................................. 32, 33
Decision-Makers Flow Chart ......................................... 75 Rivet................................................................................... 19
Decision-Making Strategies.......................... 73 - 78 Roam the Room .............................................................. 17
Defining Your Purpose ................................................... 38 Round robin/In-turn Response....................................... 3
Definitions Vocabulary Development...........19-25 Roundtable .......................................................................... 4
Definitions Are Us ........................................................... 22 Roving Reporters/Scouting........................................... 17
Do I Really Know It? ................................................ 24, 25
Say Something..................................................................... 4
First Important Priorities ......................................... 77, 78 Scored Discussion ..................................................... 43, 44
Fist to Five ........................................................................ 62 Share and Compare......................................................... 17
Five Whys................................................................... 53, 54 Six Hat Thinking ....................................................... 65, 66
Force Field Analysis 1 .............................................. 46, 47 SQRRR.......................................................................... 9, 10
Force Field Analysis 2 .............................................. 48, 49 Stems ................................................................................. 38
Four Corners.............................................................. 69, 70 SWOT Analysis ......................................................... 39, 40
Frayer Model.............................................................. 19, 20
Talking Chips ................................................................... 18
Gallery Tour...................................................................... 17 Team Building ....................................................... 2
Gathering Grid .......................................................... 34, 35 Team Discussion Organizers ...................... 38 - 44
Give One to Get One ..................................................... 38 Team Resume.......................................................................2
Graffiti Chart ....................................................................... 2 ThinkPairShareSquare................................................. 3
Graphic Organizers ....................................... 26 - 37 Three-Step Interview ......................................................... 4
How Do I Learn To Do It?..................................... 36, 37 Trio (321)................................................................. 38
TTYP (Turn to Your Partner).......................................... 3
IfThen............................................................................ 55 Turn to Your Partner (TTYP)....................................... 63
Imagineering ..................................................................... 61
Individual Reflection ....................................................... 59 Venn Diagram.................................................................. 26
Information Gathering and Sharing.................3 - 16 Visual Representations, Mind Mapping or .................. 26

Jigsaw ................................................................................... 4 Weighted or Multi-Voting.............................................. 59

What Is It? ........................................................................ 58
KWL/KWHL...................................................... 26, 28, 29 What? So What? Now What? .................................. 26, 30
YarnYarn...................................................................... 18

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