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1.6
Understanding Values in Context
Submitted by Lori Britt
This activity highlights how the ordering of values can change according to context. Often, discussion groups are not in conflict over the existence of specific values, but they are in tension about how these values are ordered differently for different discussants.
Learning Goals
Understand how we rank and order values based on the context or issue.
Understand that we sometimes have very different interpretations of a value.
Instructions
Set Up: Prepare for the Activity
As the facilitator, select approximately ten values. Each value will be written on a slip of paper. Provide each participant with a set of common values written on small slips of paper. Sample values include: Security, Community, Prosperity, Responsibility, Inclusion, Equality, Tradition, Opportunity, Justice, Freedom, Innovation.
The facilitator should select values that are relevant for the discussion group.
Begin by introducing the learning goals of this activity.
Step One: Individually Identify and Rank Top 5 Values (5 min)
Distribute the sets of values to each participant. Ask them to rank these values by moving around the slips of paper. Their most important values should be at the top.
Ask them to identify their top five values. They will use these five slips of paper for the next steps of this activity.
Step Two: Share and Define Values (10 min)
Ask volunteers to name their top values. Once a few participants have shared their top values and some common themes emerge, invite participants to discuss how they defined these values. This can be done in small groups, if needed. The goal is to acknowledge that common values are often interpreted differently.
Step Three: Rank and Define Values in Response to Particular Issues (20 min)
The facilitator will Introduce a series of issues, such as: Gun Legislation, Loan Forgiveness, Vaccination, the Death Penalty.
For each topic, ask participants to re-sort their values. Discuss:
Did your top values shift? When? Why?
Did you reinterpret what any of the values meant in the context of a particular issue?
Step Four: Debrief as as Full Group (10 min)
Discuss:
How can understanding that many people share similar values but prioritize them differently help us work together in groups?
How might collaborative groups explore and find common values?
TIME
45
min
MODULE
Introduction to Collaborative Discussion
This activity can be completed by any discussion group.
This activity can be used to support facilitation skills. See Sample Facilitation Certificate Program Design to illustrate sample sequencing.
This activity is best implemented with in-person learning groups, requiring hands-on techniques that may not be easily replicated online.
Tell us what you think. Rate and review this activity:
Have any helpful suggestions or modifications for this activity?
Share them in the comments below!
0 Comments
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:57:35 AM
Activity 2.4 helps encourage bold, imaginative thinking and looking at the risks involved in both action and inaction.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:54:27 AM
Activity 2.3 uses mind mapping to flex your creativity in a fun and engaging way and apply it to developing innovative thoughts and solutions.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:50:37 AM
Activity 2.2 is another innovative and useful activity that helps us explore, engage, work with a topic that can be frustrating or difficult for many, i.e. contradictions in the world and ourselves.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:47:31 AM
Activity 2.1 provides useful information to develop and use curiosity not just in a discussion space, but also in your everyday life.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:44:34 AM
Activity 1.7 is provides a useful inventory of collaborative discussion skills. It can be used to bring awareness to your skill level as you begin and to keep track of your progress as you move through this toolkit of activities.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:41:05 AM
Activity 1.6 is very innovative. It helps demonstrate how the prioritization of different values we hold changes according to context.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:38:49 AM
Activity 1.5 helps look at discussions from a different lens, moving away from just right or wrong and taking a deeper look at the values that drive different perspectives and opinions.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:35:42 AM
Activity 1.4 is a fun activity that engages your imagination to explore your identity.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:34:01 AM
Activity 1.3 is a good activity that helps develop a sense of cohesion and psychological safety in the group.
YD
November 29, 2022 at 1:31:54 AM
Activity 1.2 is a fun and engaging activity making use of puzzle pieces to clearly demonstrate the importance of developing collaborative perspective.