There are many versions of this activity all of them involve ranking items and giving rational for the ranking used. This one is adapted from a version in Johnson, Johnson and Holubec's book Cooperation in the Classroom. (1991)

This lesson plan is written according to Johnson and Johnson's model for successful cooperative group activities.

Task:

Rank items from most important to least important. Write out why items are ranked that way.

Goal:

Individual:

Create a set of rankings with legitimate rational.

 

Cooperative:

1. Create one set of ranking and rationale for the entire group.
2. All members must agree with the rankings and rationale.
3. No two items can be given the same ranking.
4. Each member of the group must be able to explain the ranking and rationale.

Individual Accountability:

1. One person from the group will be chosen by the instructor to explain the group's conclusions.
2. Each member will be asked to explain the group's decision to another group.

Expected behaviors:

1. Everyone participates.
2. No voting.
3. Group must have consensus.

Instructions for the groups: Give each group one set of instructions.

1. Choose one person to act as an observer for this activity.
2. Each member has five minutes to complete the ranking sheet individually.
3. The group will then have twenty minutes to complete the ranking sheet as a group.
4. Each member must participate in the decision making process.
5. Items should be discussed until a consensus is reached. Do not vote.
6. Each member should understand the groups rational for the ranking chosen.
7. One member will be chosen randomly to share their group's conclusion with the rest of the class.

Appoint an observer for each group.

While the groups are working on their individual sheets, give each observer an observation sheet to complete while the group is working. Encourage the observer to make notes and be objective.

 

	Observation Sheet
1	What roles do group members play? Leader Negotiator Recorder Encourager
2	How does the team make decisions?
3	How would you describe group members levels of participation? All high? Some high, some low? Some members not participating?
4	How did group members encourage participation?
5	Did the group function effectively as a team? How?

They Will Never Take Us Alive

RANKING SHEET

Directions

In a recent survey, Dun's Review lists the most perilous products or activities in the United States, based on annual death statistics. Below, in no particular order are listed fifteen of these death-causing hazards. Your task is to rank them in order of danger, according to the number of deaths caused each year.

1-Most Dangerous 15-Least Dangerous

Individual Ranking	Group Ranking	Hazards
		Surgery
		Vaccinations
		Mountain climbing
		Fire fighting
		Bicycles
		Handguns
		Pesticides
		Motor vehicles
		Smoking
		Nuclear power
		Alcohol
		Home appliances
		Police work
		Railroads
		Swimming

References:

Johnson, D.W., Johnson, R.T., and Holubec, E.J. (1993)Cooperation in the classroom. Interaction Book Company: Minnesota.