Saturday, November 3, 2012

Save The Last Word for Me Protocol

Save the Last Word for Me
The purpose of this protocol is to clarify and deepen our thinking about a text. 

Format:
The group needs a timekeeper/facilitator who keeps the process moving.  The protocol is designed to build on each other’s thinking, not to enter into a dialogue.  Timing is important; each round should last approximately 7 minutes. 
Total Time: approximately 30 minutes.

Process:
1.  Create a group of 3-4 participants.  Choose a timekeeper who has a watch.

2.  Each participant silently identifies what s/he considers to be the most significant idea addressed in the article.

3.  When the group is ready, a volunteer member identifies the point in the article that s/he found to be most significant and reads it out loud to the group.  The first person says nothing about why s/he chose that particular point.

4.  The other 3 participants each have 1 minute to respond to that idea.

5.  The first participant then has 3 minutes to state why s/he chose that point and to respond to his/her colleagues based on what s/he heard.

6.  The same pattern is followed until all members of the group have had a chance to have “the last word.”

7.  Debrief the experience.  Was this a useful way to explore the ideas in the text and to explore your own thinking?  If so, why?  If not, why not?

Source: Patricia Averette, National School Reform Faculty 1/2003

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