COMPASS POINTS COMPAS POINTS PURPOSE Considering the idea, question, or proposition before you: Format for students to consider an idea from different angles E = Excitements: What excites you about this idea? What’s the Issues are explored from multiple perspectives and areas upside? are identified where more information is needed helping students avoid rushing to judgment W = Worries: What do you find worrisome about this idea? What’s the downside? N = Needs: What else do you need to know or find out about this idea? S = Stance, Steps, or Suggestions: What is your current stance or opinion on the idea? What should your next step be in your evaluation of this idea? What suggestions do you have at this point? Appropriate Content Uses and Variations Assessment and Tips This routine works well when the idea This routine can be done with the The teacher can observe how is one for which there are dilemmas or whole class. It can also be done by flexible and fluent students are in different points of view students individually. Students can their thinking as they attempt to share with others after thinking on take on different parts of the their own. question. The Steps Set up: Frame the issue and present it to students. Use four sheets of chart paper, one for each compass point, and tape them to the walls. Give students sticky notes to write down their ideas.
COMPASS POINTS COMPAS POINTS Considering the idea, question, or proposition before you: E = Excitements: What excites you about this idea? What’s the upside? W = Worries: What do you find worrisome about this idea? What’s the downside? N = Needs: What else do you need to know or find out about this idea? S = Stance, Steps, or Suggestions: What is your current stance or opinion on the idea? What should your next step be in your evaluation of this idea? What suggestions do you have at this point? PURPOSE Format for students to consider an idea from different angles Issues are explored from multiple perspectives and areas are identified where more information is needed helping students avoid rushing to judgment Appropriate Content Uses and Variations Assessment and Tips This routine works well when the idea is one for which there are dilemmas or different points of view This routine can be done with the whole class. It can also be done by students individually. Students can share with others after thinking on their own. The teacher can observe how flexible and fluent students are in their thinking as they attempt to take on different parts of the question. The Steps Set up: Frame the issue and present it to students. Use four sheets of chart paper, one for each compass point, and tape them to the walls. Give students sticky notes to write down their ideas.