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.
Objectives:
-
to
reach consensus.
-
to
become competent in group decision-making and problem solving.
-
to
feel secure in class
- follow classroom routines and procedures
- listen to the ideas of others
Resources:
posted definition of consensus "a group decision that everyone
in the group agrees to support".
CELs:
PSVS, Com, CCT
Components:
Critical/Responsive
Activities:
This activity provides the students with the opportunity to disagree
because they are supposed to, and to achieve consensus in the
most difficult of circumstances. In the end, they rebuild trust.
This leaves the students as a whole with the feeling that they
will always be able to work together.
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
chooses who will speak, maintains order and does not state personal
opinions. Tell the class members that their objective is to 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 40-50 min.
Activity
2 - Reflection
Following the consensus discussion, tension will be high. Ask
students to pair themselves with someone whose view was the opposite
of their 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.
Instructional
Strategies:
Interactive Instruction (Discussion, Problem Solving, Interviewing)
Evaluation:
The teacher evaluates through observation. Informal evaluation
is appropriate, as is a formal rating scale such as Sample Assessment
Form #2, from the Drama 30 Curriculum. It is available to download
in pdf
Online
Activity Alternatives:
A consensus building activity could be conducted online through
a threaded discussion. As consensus is more difficult to achieve
on-line, the teacher should be the mediator and no devil's advocate
will be needed. A stated number of days for the chat and a minimum
number of comments should be clear in the assignment. Platforms
and software for teachers to track response is available.
The follow up activity can be conducted through e-mail effectively,
but is best done in a protected on-line environment as personal
information regarding students is being sent.
