Save the Last Word for Me

A protocol for reflecting on a professional reading:

Save the Last Word For Me

 

Purpose:

To clarify and deepen our thinking about articles we read.

Roles:

Timekeeper/facilitator, who keeps the process moving.  The process 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 20 minutes.

The Protocol:

1.  Create a group of 3 participants.  Patty will facilitate and timekeep.

2.  Participants number off 1-3 and each silently identifies what s/he considers to be the most significant or provocative idea addressed in the reading.

3.  When the group is ready, NUMBER 1 identifies the point that s/he found to be most significant or provocative and reads it out loud to the group.  NUMBER 1 says nothing about why s/he chose that particular point.

4.  The other 2 participants each have 1 minute to respond to that idea.

5.   NUMBER 1 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 three members of the group have had a chance to have “the last word.”

7.   (Optional) Debrief the content. In writing each participant completes the stem “I used to think………but now I……….”  Participants share how their thinking has changed.

8.  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?