Try, Reflect, Try Again

A structure to practice communicating thoughtfully in disagreement.

Purpose: This repeatable structure/activity is designed to surface differing opinions while people work together and then to support reflection and new ways of interacting. The group consensus task engages and surfaces opinions. The reflection step supports noticing thoughts, emotions, assumptions, and communication patterns and then invites people to try again to listen to oneself and others.

When to use: To engage people in analyzing and discussing an artifact (a text, school policy, data, etc.) where there is a possibility disagreement about the interpretation or implications. Highly adaptable to different subject areas.

Published: March 2024

AT A GLANCE

LEARNING

ROUTINE

SUBJECTS

Any

LEVEL

5-12
and adults

SKILLS

Communication skills (metacognition, emotional awareness, group behavior),
Self-awareness
Text/media/data analysis (depending on the prompt you choose)

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OVERVIEW

TRY to reach consensus or solve a problem as a group
REFLECT on your group experience and communication.
TRY AGAIN to communicate effectively with your group.

Facilitator preparation

Prepare a controversial or highly engaging prompt that you feel is safe to discuss in your context. Choose from provided prompts, use one of the prompt templates, or prepare your own.

Facilitation Notes / Instructions

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Resources and Downloads

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Sample Engaging Prompts

(Google Slides Access - Make a copy to edit)

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Discussion Prompt Templates

(Google Slides Access - Make a copy to edit)

What students do:

Try to reach a consensus or solve a problem as a group
- Take a few minutes to individually come up with their answers.
- In small groups try to come to agreement. (We recommend beginning with groups of four.)
- Option: Provide a field notes printout for students to track responses.
Reflect (Template slide deck includes all reflection questions)
- How did you feel in the conversation and when you saw the controversial prompt?
- What thoughts did you have? Do you believe they’re true in retrospect?
- How did you communicate when you when you were believing those thoughts and having those feelings?
- What’s a way you’d like to try responding when you disagree?
Try again! Return to small groups. Continue with the previous prompt, or a new one, and then reflect.