Making Sense of What I See & Hear

How:

Listening and viewing to provoke thinking about the world around me. Process what you see and hear by:



1. Brainstorm a list of at least 12 questions about the topic, concept or object. Use these question-starts to help you think of interesting questions:

  • Why...?

  • How would it be different if...?

  • What are the reasons?

  • Suppose that...?

  • What if...?

  • What if we knew...?

  • What is the purpose of...?

  • What would change if...?

2. Review the brainstormed list and star the questions that seem most interesting. Then, select one or more of the starred questions to discuss for a few moments.

3. Reflect: What new ideas do you have about the topic, concept or object that you didn't have before?



1. Brainstorm a list of different perspectives and then use this script skeleton to explore each one:

  1. I am thinking of ... the topic... from the point of view of ... the viewpoint you've chosen

  2. I think ... describe the topic from your viewpoint. Be an actor - take on the character of your viewpoint

  3. A question I have from this viewpoint is ... ask a question from this viewpoint

Wrap up: What new ideas do you have about the topic that you didn't have before? What new questions do you have?


Why:

Conversing with others allows you to formulate and articulate your ideas while also hearing others’ perspectives. Being open to hearing others’ ideas from inside and outside of your community is important to facilitate the critical and creative thinking skills necessary for life. Communicating with others utilizing reliable background information and informed thinking ensures that your voice will be taken seriously.