Placemat Consensus
1st through 12th grade
Big Idea
Directions
2. The teacher provides the class with a prompt or a question.
3. Every student responds simultaneously on their space on the placement. The teacher gives the class an specific amount of time to work individually.
4. When the time is over, each member of the team gets an opportunity to share their thinking. The group shares in a round robin fashion. Every member gets an equal amount of time to share.
5. After sharing, the group discusses the ideas on the placement and comes to a consensus of their ideas. The consensus is written in the center of the placemat. The group can come to a consensus on the best answer or they can develop a new answer by synthesizing the collective thoughts.
When to Use
This is a fantastic strategy to use when discussing a piece of text. Character traits could be debated, the most important part could be determined and point of view can be explored. It can be used to support claims and evidence work and the group can determine what member provided the strongest piece of text evidence to support the claim.
Math:
This strategy could be used to solve a problem and come to a consensus for the most efficient way to solve the problem.
Classroom Management:
This strategy could be used to solve classroom problems. The teacher would provide the students with an issue that needs to be solved. Every student can take the time to provide their thinking. Then together the group can work to come to a consensus to solve the classroom issue and share a new solution.
Strategy Variations
2. This strategy is a fantastic planning tool for group work. It allows for all voices to be shared in the planning process of projects.