Step 3: Deliberate
Now that students have become familiar with different perspectives and considered their own values, they can explore each other's ideas surrounding the essential question.
Getting Ready
Time Required:
45-60 minutes (approximately one class period)
Classroom Setup:
"Fishbowl" configuration (a small circle of 6-8 students surrounded by a larger circle of the remaining students, shown in this diagram)
Materials Required (for each student):
- Deliberation Preparation Organizer
- Deliberation Rubric(several per student)
- Deliberation Guidelines
- Outer Circle Engagement Worksheet
- Post-Deliberation Self Reflection
- Clarifying and Probing Questions Handout (provided in Step 1: Define)
Directions for Deliberation
Round One: Each member of the fishbowl shares their opening statement.
Round Two: Students engage in deliberation using supporting facts, asking probing/clarifying questions, sharing multiple perspectives, and demonstrating mindfulness so that all voices can be heard.
Following Rounds: Students continue deliberation.
Optional: One chair can be designated as a “pop-in” or “stimulator seat” if the deliberations slows