Deliberation Process Step 1: Define

Step 1: Define

This step has students define and prioritize their personal core values and introduces the essential question being addressed.

Introducing the Deliberation Process

This first session is dedicated to setting expectations and building a foundation to grow from. Students will begin by defining their personal values, which they can connect back to throughout this process as they engage with difficult questions. Following this, the class can move on to the introduction of the topic they'll be exploring and the essential question driving the deliberation. This is also a great time to set expectation for how students should engage with the topic and with one another.

Getting Ready

45-60 minutes (approximately one class period)

Materials Required (for each student):

Core Values Activity Instructions

  1. Cut up the values tabs from the sheet in your folder. 
  2. Prioritize the value tabs from most important (#1) to least important (#10). 
  3. You can add a value of your own, if you choose, on the blank tab. 
  4. On the 3” x 5” card in your folder, write your name, date, and time on one side, and then list your values from #1 to #10. 
  5. Write your first name on a post-it note of each color, large enough to fill up the post-it. (Blue, Pink, Yellow). 
  6. Place each post-it note under that value label posted in the front of the classroom (1st, 2nd, and 10th values): 
    • Blue reflects your highest ranked value
    • Pink reflects your 2nd highest value
    • Yellow reflects your least important value 
  7. Save your card and values tabs in the envelope provided in your folder. Write your name on your envelope.
  8. Refer to the Clarifying and Probing Questions handout to prepare for discussion.