CONSCIENCE ALLEY
Skills
Thinking, Decision-Making
Working with Others
What is it?
This role-play strategy allows pupils to gain a quick synopsis of all the issues related to a
specific topic. It has the advantage over ‘standard’ role play in that it can be carried out
reasonably quickly. It might be particularly useful for younger or less able pupils since they
do not have to remain in role for very long. They also do not need to know a great deal of
information about the issue as their role card will simply state who they are and how they feel
about the particular scenario being discussed. See Hassle Lines for a similar activity
involving role-play.
Implications for classroom layout
An open space is needed for ease of movement and interaction.
How does it work?
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1. Explain the scenario to the pupils (e.g. a bullying incident that took place at school has
resurfaced again in the local youth club. The school has been asked to deal with the
situation).
2. Then place each pupil into role by giving him or her each a role card which tells the pupil
who they are and briefly how they feel about the situation
(e.g. a bully, the victim, victim’s friend, bully’s mates, parent, youth worker, form teacher,
etc).
3. Get pupils to stand in two lines facing each other with a pathway up the middle.
4. Select a pupil randomly and ask them to state their role.
5. Ask remaining pupils to think of one statement they would like to make to this individual.
6. The selected pupil then walks between the lines and the remainder of the class make their
statements as they pass by. (You may need to repeat this a number of times, encouraging
pupils to “get into role”).
7. Debrief by asking the selected pupil which arguments they found convincing and what
their view is on the scenario.
8. The activity can be repeated by selecting other pupils to walk in role through the
“Conscience Alley”.
CREATIVE MATRIX
Skills
Being Creative
Thinking, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving
Working with Others
What is it?
This activity encourages pupils to think creatively about a series of (hypothetical) scenarios,
options, ideas and events. It stimulates thinking and problem-solving skills and may allow
pupils to see issues from fresh perspectives. Pupils work in groups to explore alternatives and
to build constructively and creatively on the ideas of others.
How does it work?
1. Pupils are presented with a matrix of possible scenarios based on a particular issue:
CREATIVE MATRIX – My Community
Problem:
What?
alcohol/
drug abuse
smoking
Racism
violence
Pollution
People by
whom?
OAP’s
parents
Ethnic
minorities
Families
Teens
Place
where?
at work
at school
In town
At home
On holiday
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2. Pupils might be asked to identify, in their opinion, what the most likely and least likely
scenarios are, choosing one option from each of the rows above and putting them together.
For example:
• Most likely = alcohol abuse – teens – on holiday
• Least likely = violence – OAPs – at work
3.
Pupils may be asked to justify their choices when comparing and contrasting
responses with other groups, and to explore whether there are times when even their
least likely scenario may possibly happen
4.
This activity might be used as a planning tool to stimulate creativity with a range of
ideas:
CREATIVE MATRIX
What might be the most lucrative food business?
Type
Indian
French
British
Chinede
Italian
People
OAP’s
professionals
Ethnic
minorities
Families
Teens
How?
On
a
conveyer belt
Meals
on
wheels
Drive-thru
Pic’n’mix
Do
it
yourself at a
service
station
Once again, pupils might be asked to choose the most and least lucrative potential business
idea. For example:
• Most lucrative = Indian – for professionals – on a conveyer belt
• Least lucrative = French – for teens – meals on wheels
5. A debrief afterwards might ask pupils to consider their work within groups – were groups
able to build on ideas? How did the groups structure their discussions? Was there a
facilitator? Was agreement reached, and if so, how?
6. This activity might lead on to further exploration of relevant topics. Tools such as
Consider All Factors, Plus-Minus-Interesting, Other People’s Views, and Opinion
Finders may be beneficial in order to consolidate and deepen pupils’ understanding of key
issues arising from the Creative Matrix.
DIAMOND RANKING
Skills
Working with Others
Thinking, Decision-Making
What is it?
This is a small group activity aimed at prioritising information and ideas. It can be a follow-
up activity used after information-gathering sessions such as Post-Its Collection and Ideas
Avalanche. It encourages pupils to consider and express their justifications for placing
certain issues above others. See Card Ranking for another possible prioritising activity.
Implications for classroom layout
Pupils can work at a board or wall space. Alternatively, groups can work around a
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table.
How does it work?
1.
Pupils receive (or write out beforehand) nine ideas based on a particular question on
card or post-its.
2.
They place their first priority card at the top, followed by two in second place, three in
third place, a further two and then the card which represents the lowest priority at the
bottom. This forms a diamond shape.
3.
Pupils should strive for a consensus amongst themselves. This may involve various
discussions on the order of cards involving justification.
4.
Top priorities might be explored in greater detail using activities such as Five
Questions.
EACH ONE TEACH ONE (also known as Get One – Give One)
Skills
Working with Others
Managing Information
What is it?
This is an alternative way of transferring a large amount of factual information amongst
pupils. Rather than the teacher lecturing or dictating, pupils share a selected piece of
information relevant to the topic with their peers. See Clusters for another useful activity for
transferring information.
Implications for classroom layout
A large space is needed for ease of movement and interaction. Alternatively, if pupils are
seated at desks in groups of four, two pupils could change group after the allocated time.
How does it work?
1.
A slip of paper with a particular fact or statistic is distributed to every pupil. Ideally
there should be a different statement for every pupil.
2.
Pupils read their statement to ensure that they understand its meaning.
Example Ideas for Discussion:
How to reduce crime
Measures to prevent environmental pollution
Making our roads safer.
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3.
Pupils move around and share their statement with other pupils. They should aim to
explain their fact or figure with as many people as possible.
4.
Pupils could be encouraged to extend their explanations by giving examples, if
relevant, or by linking their statement with those of other pupils.
5.
After adequate time for communicating their facts, pupils might work in smaller
groups to classify the information they have acquired during the process of the
activity.
6.
In a subsequent debrief pupils could explain and justify their classification system.
7.
They could also be asked to share their reactions upon hearing various facts/ statistics.
What surprised them? What shocked them? Did any particular statement make them
feel sad or happy? What particularly interested them?
8.
Pupils might also be asked to think about their own learning. What pieces of
information did they find easiest to remember and why? Which did they find most
difficult?
9.
Main findings for all debriefing activities might be written on a board or flip chart.
FACT or OPINION
Skills
Thinking, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving
Working with Others
What is it?
This activity asks pupils to judge whether something is a fact or just an opinion (value-laden).
In an increasingly pluralistic society, distinguishing fact from opinion based on evidence is an
important skill. This challenging activity encourages pupils to consider the nature of
knowledge – often there may be no clear-cut answer. Pupils work in groups to discuss their
stance. An effective approach to this activity will include a debriefing session afterwards.
How does it work?
1. Pupils are presented with a series of statements which are based on a particular issue.
These may often include the position statements of key stakeholders on both sides of the
issue in question.
2. Pupils analyse the statements and decide whether they are fact or opinion. Pupils consider
the justifications for their choice and present these to the class during a whole-class feedback
session. Pupils could further explore any similarities and differences in judgement between
groups.
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3. In a debrief afterwards pupils could concentrate on the processes which led to judgements
being made. How did groups arrive at a judgement? Where there a variety of opinions? Was
consensus reached? Were judgements justified effectively? Were judgements articulated
effectively? Were there allocated roles within the
group?
4. Based on feedback pupils may wish to explore the issues further using a Plus-Minus-
Interesting or Consider All Factors approach. A Consequence Wheel or Fishbone
Strategy may also be employed to consider cause and consequence.
FIVE QUESTIONS
Skills
Thinking, Decision-Making
Managing Information
What is it?
This is an information gathering activity which also allows pupils to explore the issue in more
depth or to break it down into smaller sub-themes or tasks. It gives pupils the opportunity to
unpack complicated topics. It allows an exploration of all kinds of possibilities which may
lead to action planning and target-setting. See Ideas Avalanche and Post-Its Collection for
further information gathering activities.
How does it work?
1.
A large, wide sheet of paper and a marker are needed.
2.
A question is posed to pupils using ‘How’ or ‘Why’.
3.
Suggestions are written on the flip chart.
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4.
Teachers use the same question word to develop ideas and explore further ideas.
5.
Teachers continue to use questions with the same question word until the idea/
suggestion has been explored fully.
HOW?
HOW? HOW?
HOW?
HOW?
HOW?
HOW? HOW?
HOW?
HOW?
HOW?
HOW?
HOW?
GRAFFITI BOARD
Skills
Thinking, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving
What is it?
This activity encourages pupils to record their thoughts, feelings, ideas and suggestions
around a particular topic. The methodology is similar to that of the No Easy Answers Board.
Implications for classroom layout
A large wall space may be needed.
How does it work?
1. A particular area of the room is dedicated as a graffiti board where pupils can write and
record their thoughts on the issues being discussed.
2. Pupils might be asked to contribute to the graffiti board at different times using a KWL
perspective – what they think they ‘know’ about an issue, what they ‘want’ to know and what
they have ‘learned’ at the end of the topic.
Learning Concept: Local Citizenship
How can we get young people involved in the community?
-
Promote issues which interest young people.
How can we promote issues?
-
Raise awareness of youth issues.
How can we raise awareness?
-
Develop an online forum.
How can we develop an online forum?
•
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3. Any comments which arise as a result of debriefings may also be noted.
4. Pupils should feel free to contribute to the graffiti board at any time during the course of a
topic.
5. The graffiti board could be used at the end of the topic for summarising issues and drawing
conclusions.
HOT AIR BALLOON
Skills
Working with Others
Thinking, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving
Managing Information
What is it?
This activity can be used as a planning tool. It encourages pupils to confront an issue, explore
its implications in a comprehensive manner and adopt a structured approach to future
preparation and planning.
Implications for classroom layout
Pupils can work at a board or wall space. Alternatively, groups can work around a table.
How does it work?
1.
Pupils are presented with a picture of a hot air balloon.
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2.
Pupils are given a structured set of questions around a particular issue, including:
-
Who needs to be in the balloon? Pupils write the names of key stakeholders around
the issue - people who need to be on board in order for it to go anywhere.
-
What needs to be in place for the project to be successful? On the balloon itself,
pupils note all the elements which they think are necessary in order for the project
(planning) to be successful.
-
What is holding it back? Next to the anchor pupils note the issues which may hinder
a successful start to the project.
-
What will make it fly at great speed? Pupils note above the hot air balloon what
developments would allow the project to move forward effectively, such as
commitment, motivation and creativity.
-
What might blow the balloon off course? On either side of the balloon pupils note
the problems which may arise during the course of the project.
3. Once completed, pupils could compare and contrast their balloons to further enhance
planning.
4. Additional tools such as Five Questions might be used to explore ideas further.
HOT SEATING
Skills
Working with Others
Being Creative
Thinking, Decision-Making
What is it?
This creative in-role activity can be a useful tool to encourage discussion about a particular
issue and share information.
Implications for classroom layout
A single hot seat should be placed facing the group. Alternatively, in order to facilitate more
relaxed interaction, the hot seat might be placed in the middle of a circle.
How does it work?
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1. Pupils are allocated a particular character, or alternatively they think of a role themselves
relevant to the issue in question.
2. Pupils could research the role in groups or individually.
3. Other pupils in groups could be encouraged to think up challenging questions for the
person in the hot seat.
4. The character in question is put in the hot seat and questioned by fellow pupils. This may
help pupils to feel empathy for a particular person or viewpoint, particularly a view which
they do not normally share.
5. An idea or issue could also be placed on the hot seat, such as the war in Iraq, human
cloning, the use of wind farms. Using this technique, answers can come from anyone in the
class. Alternatively, for the latter example a Geography teacher might be brought in to share
his or her views on the hot seat.
6. A mystery game could also be played out using this technique, with class members having
to guess the identity of the person in the hot seat.
7. A debrief afterwards could involve asking pupils what they learned, what they found
interesting and if they would challenge anything which the person in the hot seat said.
8. It is also useful for teachers/facilitators to assess what gaps may exist in a group’s level of
knowledge and what future planning may be needed. A KWL grid could be created by pupils
to plan future work around the issue at hand.
9. As an additional competitive game, pupils might be given a topic or character to research
and then hot seated for one minute to share as much information as possible with the class
without hesitating or repeating themselves. If a possible infringement occurs, pupils might
make a challenge to oust the person from the hot seat.
JEOPARDY
Skills
Managing Information
Thinking
What is it?
This activity encourages pupils to think about the quality questions which may lead to a
particular answer. It has the potential to stretch more able pupils who may think creatively
about possible alternative questions.
How does it work?
1. Pupils are given the answer to a question which may be of relevance to the topic being
explored. Answers may range from purely factual, such as a date, a name or place to an
emotion or abstract concept.
2. Pupils must think of the question that matches each answer.
3. If the answer does not have a straightforward question, pupils compare and contrast the
questions they have come up with and justify how they arrived at a particular question.
Possible Characters/Roles:
Second world war
Factory owner in India employing children
Abylai khan
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2. Pupils must think of the question that matches each answer.
3. If the answer does not have a straightforward question, pupils compare and contrast the
questions they have come up with and justify how they arrived at a particular question.
JIGSAW
Skills
Thinking, Decision-Making, Problem-Solving
Working with Others
What is it?
This activity can be used as an icebreaker for new groups, as a team-building activity, as a
means of gathering information, as an introduction to a particular topic or as a first step for
future planning, decision-making or extended discussion. It can add an interesting and
motivational twist to a set of tasks. See Lifelines for another activity with similar aims.
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