Unit One - Introduction to Drama
Module 1: Basic Skills
Lesson 4- Consensus

Introduction:
The purpose of this lesson is to learn how to disagree without arguing, and how to find common ground with others.

Activities:

Activity 1 - Class Discussion
Choose a topic as a class that you have a wide variety of emphatic, differing opinions about. Set boundaries for discussion range and style as a group. Elect a mediator from the class. The mediator is a person who chooses who will speak, maintains order and does not state personal opinions. The class members must find common ground and reach consensus. The teacher's role is to play devil's advocate, to create argument. The class must reach consensus in this environment. Set a time limit of 40 min.

Activity 2 - Reflection
Following the consensus discussion, tension will be high. Pair yourselves with someone whose view was the opposite of your own during the consensus activity. Student A shares a difficult moment from her life. Student B reflects why it would have been difficult. A and B switch roles. Everyone joins the large group of the class, and discusses what positive things they learned about their partners as people. The events shared by partners are not discussed, just the positive qualities of the individuals facing difficult times.

Evaluation:
This will vary depending on your teacher.