GROUP WORK Identity

There are two primary methods that I use to guide students in a reflection of their identity as a member of a group. Different teachers tend to connect better with one or the other. Using the compass points protocol and color personality assessment to frame our discussion not only helps students reflect on what they contribute in a group setting, it also gives us a common vocabulary to use throughout the year.

​After using one of these frameworks, it is useful to have students share out their categorization with rest of the class. Typically, there will be a pretty good mix of personalities represented in the class and it can be a great time to discuss the importance of valuing the different qualities that group members contribute. Each strategy is outlined below:

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Compass Points Protocol

​This compass protocol is adapted from a resource posted by the National School Reform Faculty (NSRF) Harmony Education Center. 

In this protocol, students self-reflect on their preferences when working in a group setting. Compass directions are used to represent the four primary tendencies:

North - Acting (jumps right in)
South - Caring (includes everyone)
West - Paying attention to detail
East - Speculating (big picture)

I have my students reflect on their compass points and then write their name on a post-it and put it under their "direction". Each color represents a different one of my three physical science classes

Compass Points Posters (pdf)
File Size:	384 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Compass Points Posters (editable)
File Size:	63 kb
File Type:	pptx

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Color Personalities

For classes that maybe aren't as good at self reflection yet, or need categories that are a little bit more actionable, we have also found success with personality "colors".
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These colors track very closely with the compass protocol so there isn't really much reason to do both. The biggest benefit for the colors is that we were able to find a simple online quiz that reveals your "color" after you answer a handful of scenario questions.

​​Red - ACTION - Just get it done
Orange - CARETAKER - Let’s all get along
Yellow - PROBLEM SOLVERS - Let’s do it differently
Green - MOTIVATORS - Let’s experience it all

Is this online quiz perfect? No. But it is free and at least helps get the discussion started. ​

Color Personality Posters (pdf)
File Size:	44 kb
File Type:	pdf

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Color Personality Posters (editable)
File Size:	50 kb
File Type:	pptx

Download File

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Files

Compass Points Posters (pdf)
File Size:	384 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Compass Points Posters (editable)
File Size:	63 kb
File Type:	pptx

Download File

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Color Personality Posters (pdf)
File Size:	44 kb
File Type:	pdf

Download File

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Color Personality Posters (editable)
File Size:	50 kb
File Type:	pptx

Download File

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Other Introductory/Teambuilding Tasks

For more tasks like this one that can be used at the beginning of the semester get students working in teams and reflecting on their identity, check out the collection posted here.