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2.1
Promoting Curiosity
Submitted by Jack Byrd, Jr.
This activity illustrates how curiosity can be enhanced by the use of prompts to exercise the mind. These prompts are designed to explore dimensions of an issue which may not be evident upon initial review.
Learning Goals
Practice using curiosity prompts to expand how we see an issue.
Understand the value of reframing narratives of problems into narratives of possibility.
Instructions
Set Up: Prepare for the Activity
Organize participants into pairs or small groups (3-5 ppl).
Begin by introducing the learning goals of this activity.
Step One: Introduce Curiosity Prompts (10 min)
Developing curiosity requires a mental workout similar to the physical workout that many people follow. The practice of being curious is a daily activity. The basic building blocks to becoming curious are to keep these 4 prompts in mind and use them in thinking about everyday encounters:
What if…
Think about…
Can we imagine…
Why is that true?
In small groups, try out these prompts on a familiar topic. This may be a topic relevant to your class or community.
Provide an article or headline and then invite each group to use the first curiosity prompt to explore the topic. Each group should identify a recorder who will capture “What if…” statements.
Encourage the groups not to discuss or critique contributions. Instead, the goal is to generate a broad list of “What if…” possibilities on the topic.
Step Two: Practice Curiosity Prompts (20 min)
Develop similar bulleted lists for the other three curiosity prompts. Again, suspend critical judgment. If time is limited, select only one or two curiosity prompts.
Step Three: Develop Curiosity Questions (20 min)
Once the lists are complete, ask participants to develop curiosity questions that combine similar items from each of the lists. The curiosity question would expand possibilities. It may begin with “Would it be possible to…” or “Wouldn’t it be amazing if…”
Invite the groups to create at least three curiosity questions.
Step Four: Debrief as a Full Group (10 min)
Reconvene as a large group and invite each small group to share one curiosity question. Discuss:
What common themes are emerging across our lists or curiosity questions?
Which curiosity prompt was most helpful in thinking about the issue in new ways? Why?
How important was working with others for this activity? Would you have had equal results if completed alone? How important are others in promoting curiosity?
TIME
60
min
MODULE
Creative Collaboration
This activity can be completed by any discussion group.
This activity can be easily modified for asynchronous learning. See Sample Asynchronous Certificate Program Design to illustrate sample sequencing.
This activity can be used to support facilitation skills. See Sample Facilitation Certificate Program Design to illustrate sample sequencing.
This activity can be easily modified to serve as an introductory exercise and completed in less than 10 minutes.
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.