Instructions

Set Up: Prepare for the Activity

Provide sheets of paper, colored markers, and tape.

Organize participants into small groups (4-6 ppl).

Begin by introducing the learning goals of this activity.

Step One: Individually Reflect on Biases & Assumptions (5 min)

Give each small group a controversial topic to discuss. For example:

• The government should provide universal basic income to all citizens.

Before engaging in discussion, ask each participant to write down any preconceived ideas, biases, or pre-formed opinions about the topic on a large piece of paper.

Ask participants to tape the piece of paper to the front of their desk.

Step Two: Suspend Biases & Assumptions (15 min)

Participants are now, literally, “suspending” their assumptions about the topic. Take a few moments to allow the groups to review the assumptions in front of them.

Model how to constructively ask for clarification about any assumptions:

• What do you mean by this?

• Where does this assumption come from?

• Can you give me an example or context for this?

Instruct participants not to criticize or debate the value of the assumptions.

Step Three: Engage in Small Group Discussion (20 min)

Ask participants to discuss the prompt in small groups. Encourage them to explore various dimensions or elements of the prompt and examine it from multiple angles or perspectives.

Invite participants to revise their assumptions as the discussion progresses. Invite discussants to constructively point out assumptions and biases as the discussion continues.

Step Four: Debrief as a Full Group (10 min)

Discuss:

• What impact, if any, did “suspending” your assumptions have on your own contributions to the discussion?

• How did knowing the assumptions of others affect your own communication in the group?

• Did you communicate differently with any individual because of their assumptions? Because of your assumptions?