61. ICEBREAKER: THREE COLUMN RESPONSE (Feedback, Writing)
Description: Introduced by Nasrin Mirsaleh-Kohan, PhD, this clever idea focuses on relationships and teacher expectations for students to think and act critically from the very first day of class.
Application: This protocol is used as a teacher-student icebreaker.
Process: On the first day of class and after short introduction to the course, instruct students to take a piece of paper and, without writing their name on it, divide the page into three columns:
First column: write concerns or problems in regard to school or the subject.
Second column: write suggested solutions to the problems from the first column.
Third column: write top three goals and the things most passionate about in life.
Give students five minutes and tell them to write the first things that come to their minds. Collect papers. Tell students that the activity is meant to provide the teacher with insight into the challenges students face, but also offer students practice by identifying possible solutions to the problems. Emphasize to students that the third column is the visible reminder to encourage connecting their passions/goals to any hardships they endure. After class, privately, read the student responses to gain insight into the group and adjust teaching as needed.
Reference and/or for more information:
61. Icebreaker: Three Column Response
Mirsaleh-Kohan, PhD, N. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/encouraging-your-students-through-a-three-column-activity/
Description: Introduced by Nasrin Mirsaleh-Kohan, PhD, this clever idea focuses on relationships and teacher expectations for students to think and act critically from the very first day of class.
Application: This protocol is used as a teacher-student icebreaker.
Process: On the first day of class and after short introduction to the course, instruct students to take a piece of paper and, without writing their name on it, divide the page into three columns:
First column: write concerns or problems in regard to school or the subject.
Second column: write suggested solutions to the problems from the first column.
Third column: write top three goals and the things most passionate about in life.
Give students five minutes and tell them to write the first things that come to their minds. Collect papers. Tell students that the activity is meant to provide the teacher with insight into the challenges students face, but also offer students practice by identifying possible solutions to the problems. Emphasize to students that the third column is the visible reminder to encourage connecting their passions/goals to any hardships they endure. After class, privately, read the student responses to gain insight into the group and adjust teaching as needed.
Reference and/or for more information:
61. Icebreaker: Three Column Response
Mirsaleh-Kohan, PhD, N. https://www.facultyfocus.com/articles/effective-teaching-strategies/encouraging-your-students-through-a-three-column-activity/