Bridge to Benchmark 2
Please complete the following assignment on a document titled’ “Bridge to Benchmark 2” and store it in your IT folder. Please do not share with your teachers.
Step 1) Relating and Combining Themes
* For this activity we want you to look at all of the themes on the “Pool of Themes” document. Then you will pick out those that connect to or resonate with your own theme.
- Start by listing each theme that connects to your own.
- Then see if you can combine and/or tweak them to form a more encompassing (or overarching) theme.
Step 2: Intuitive Freewrite
* When you do something intuitively, or using your intuition, it means you do it without really analyzing the directions much. You just go with your gut and use the knowledge that pops into your mind at that moment. It takes putting some blind faith into your abilities and into your understanding.
- Freewrite about your theme and those that you found connected or resonated with your theme. Write about possible combinations of themes, or any overarching themes you have developed. How do you see these themes coming together? What works? What doesn't work? What fits? What doesn’t fit? Can you omit or add any ideas to help develop your theme? Show us that you are thinking about these themes and all possible combinations.
* Remember, go with your gut. What ideas first jump out at you? Explore those for awhile. Let your mind roam in whatever direction it wishes; just stick with the themes and how they might possibly work together. There is no wrong way to do this except to not do it, or to do it half heartedly.
- Write for a full 8 minutes. Don’t stop until the timer rings.
- Keep your pencil moving across the page even if you’re not sure your writing is making much sense. Follow your intuition.
Step 3 - Brainstorm Write
* Creating Titles and Listing Responsibilities: Soon you will be a part of a group with roughly 3 other classmates. Each of you will need to bear some sort of responsibility in the group. These responsibilities should be distributed evenly and each group member should be aware of what he or she is responsible for, which can typically be encompassed in a title. An example would be that an “Actor” is responsible for memorizing his or her lines in a play, as well as listening to what the director wants and accurately portraying that on stage, while the “Playwright” would be responsible for creating the actual play and making sure his or her vision of the story is comprehensible on paper.
- Your first task is to create at least 4 titles, one for each group member (including yourself). Under these titles, list the responsibilities of each group member. Be creative with your titles! Think beyond “Manager” and “Researcher” (first, because Manager is too general, and second, because you’ll all be Researchers!)
* Critical Problem Solving - Contract Creation: When you find yourself working closely with a group of individuals, there will be problems that will arise. Anticipating these problems is the first step in critically thinking about how to resolve typical arguments and general chaos that may erupt during the research process.
- Your second task is to think about and write down 6 problems that could occur at any point during your research project with your IT group. Think of the smallest problem, to something that could be truly epic. Under each problem you have created, list one way (or multiple ways) that this problem could be solved by you and your group members. These must be real problems that could occur (No, a dinosaur would NOT eat your notecards).
Step 4: Partnered Theme/Group Discussion
* Now it’s time to discuss your theme and any combination of themes with a partner. Choose a peer who has a theme similar to your own. Also consider how well you feel you would work with this person. Choose a potential group member based on your theme and your ability to work together. You may have to take a risk and meet someone new to decide if you can work with them. Think about how you will be successful in the project, not about being with friends.
Theme Discussion:
* Once you have selected a partner, you will begin a discussion about your themes. Discuss any ideas and findings around your themes. How well do they combine? How do each of you see these themes coming together? Do they form an overarching theme? Discuss your free-writes and any other ideas that came up in this “Bridge to Benchmark 2” activity.
Group Dynamics Discussion:
* With your partner, have a discussion about what makes a productive group.
- Consider the titles and responsibilities you came up with in the freewrite. What makes a solid and productive group? What roles should be assigned?
* Discuss your ideas for problem solving, and dealing with issues that can arise in a group. How can we solve these problems? What kind o group contract can be developed?
- Choose three potential problems that may arise, for a total of 6 (3 from you and 3 from your partner). Share the problem with your partner and see if they would deal with the issue in the same manner. Remember to find out your classmate’s answer before sharing your own so he or she is not influenced by your solution. Compare your solutions and discuss their effectiveness.
Step 5: Individual Reflection
* Finally, once you have completed all previous steps, it is time to write an individual reflection. Discuss this “Bridge to Benchmark 2.” How did this process go for you? What was difficult, easy, interesting, or boring. What group theme do you hope to have? What kind of group do you hope to have? How will that look? What might your role be? Reflect on any portion of this activity, focusing on the themes and group dynamics.