2. Frequently Asked Questions!
“Why not just have conversations
or discussions?”
“Why should we use a process that
feels so artificial, awkward and
restrictive?”
3. Why Use Protocols?
“In general, protocols are processes
that help groups achieve deep
understanding through dialogue…”
Easton (2009)
4. What Makes Some Uncomfortable?
o Structured dialogue – following a
series of steps in a fixed order
o Restrictions on when group members
can talk;
o Specifying roles different people will
play during the protocol
5. Necessary Tensions
Well designed protocols have a series
of necessary tensions between:
o Talking and Listening
o Discipline and Play
o Safety and Risk
o Individual Learning and Group Learning
6. Benefits
Using protocols increases learning by:
o Guarding against conversations that sink into
a debate between two people
o Having time limits that make it less likely that a
small number of individuals dominate air time
7. Benefits
Using protocols increases learning by:
o Having guidelines that
– Protects members of the group and pushes
the conversation deep
– Permits a kind of conversation people are
not in the habit of having
8. Adapting Protocols
Reasons to adapt an existing protocol
o Time availability
o Group composition
o Group size
o Purpose
9. Adapting Protocols
Considerations for Adapting Protocols
o Purpose
o Existing Protocols
o Balance among competing perspectives,
needs, & interests necessary for your purpose
o Balance between free and structured
conversation
o Context
10. Adapting Protocols
Caveat
Small changes in a protocol’s structure
can significantly alter the kind of
conversations people have.
11. Remember, the point of a protocol
is to have an in-depth, insightful
conversation about teaching and
learning, not to do a perfect
protocol.
