Claim, Support, Question
Claim, Support, Question encourages participants to critically examine information by identifying claims, providing supporting evidence, and formulating questions. This routine fosters deeper understanding and promotes thoughtful discussion around complex topics.
Use this method when you need a group to analyze a statement, proposal, or argument, and to identify its strengths and weaknesses through evidence-based reasoning.
Solves: Superficial agreement or disagreement without critical evaluation; lack of evidence-based reasoning in discussions.
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Step 1: Present the claim or statement to the group. (2 minutes)
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Step 2: Individually, participants write down their initial reactions to the claim. (3 minutes)
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Step 3: In small groups (3-5 people), each participant shares their initial reaction. (5 minutes)
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Step 4: For each reaction, the group identifies supporting evidence or reasons. (10 minutes)
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Step 5: For each reaction, the group formulates questions that arise from the claim and supporting evidence. (10 minutes)
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Step 6: Share key insights and questions with the larger group. (5 minutes)
- Encourage participants to be specific and provide concrete examples as supporting evidence.
- Remind participants that questions are valuable and can lead to further exploration.
- Use different types of claims (e.g., factual, value-based, policy-based).
- Assign roles within small groups (e.g., claim identifier, evidence seeker, questioner).