Liberating Structures: Minimum Specifications
Difficulty: 3 (rated by author; 1=easy <--> 5=difficult)
Views: 1623
: Active Learning
Sometimes we try to specify too many things to do, too many rules, too much STUFF. Getting down to what is critical and important is a useful engagement practice. This is particularly useful when negotiating agreements, designing projects and REAL TASKS. If you have group assignments in your class, have them start with Min Specs!
Even better is when we work with peers to do this paring down process.
- Find 3-5 other people to join you in this challenge. It can be done face to face or online in a Google Hangout, using a webinar tool (like Adobe Connect) or Skype call. Use a tool where you can have a shared text or whiteboard space. http://www.boardthing.com is a great shared post it note tool.
- Using the process described at http://www.liberatingstructures.com/14-min-specs/ to do the minimum specifications exercise on the topic “what are the minimum specifications for using ipads in your classroom.” (Feel free to pick another topic!)
- Post your min specs here in the challenge space. If you post it elsewhere, leave a link here. Tip: If you captured the insights in a flipchart, post a picture. If you tweet it, please include the hashtags #liberatingstructures #UdGAgora
- With your group debrief the experience. Did you discover anything you can stop doing? What was liberated? How can you use this in your work and in your classroom? Post your response to this challenge.
- Bonus: If you really want to dive deeper into exploring what to STOP doing, try TRIZ. It is amazingly productive and seriously FUN!
Mobile Implications
- When planning mobile interactions, use min specs to pare your activity down to its most essential elements. The environment gets cluttered quickly.
- Min specs can be done online as noted, but can become visually overwhelming on a phone and may be better on a tablet or computer screen.
Example for "Liberating Structures: Minimum Specifications":
https://twitter.com/NancyWhite/status/616239709325496320
Thinking about minspecs for #liberatingstructures online #udgagora pic.twitter.com/O05PwpeCqK
— Nancy White (@NancyWhite) July 1, 2015
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