Construction Spiral

Construction Spiral is a three-step process through which students examine a topic, share with peers, develop a consensus statement, and share that with the larger group. Adjustments are made to students’ thinking when they consider subsequent problems.

Implementation

 

1. Practice brainstorming techniques before conducting this exercise with students.
2. Students build confidence as thinkers when they present ideas as their own (or, as their own discoveries of others’ ideas) and then consider other factors related to those ideas.
3. The teacher should neither direct nor correct students’ findings. Rather, the teacher adds additional elements for students to consider as they move toward discovery of how to apply clear and critical thinking.
4. For this strategy to be successful, students must understand non-judgmental responses and learn to recognize gaps in their own thinking process as the basis for growth in understanding.
5. Having an audience that is willing to ask questions that take thinking to a deeper level without making the presenters feel inadequate or wrong is critical.

 

Classroom Management

 

1. The teacher presents the problem or question to be considered.
2. Each student responds individually by writing their preliminary thoughts or reactions.
3. Students working in groups of three share what each has written.
4. The small group compiles their thoughts into one consensus statement that they share with the class.
5. The class asks questions, but does not evaluate or make changes to the presented response.
6. After all groups have presented, the small groups return to their statements and revises their ideas based on shifts in their own thinking.
7. If the teacher notes weaknesses or flaws in the students’ thinking, a second question/problem should be given to provide opportunity for students to dig more deeply into the topic.