Tools for Reaching Group Decisions
Clustering
Purpose: to merge small-group ideas into a total group product
Time needed:  about 40 minutes
Procedure:
  1. Ask small groups to brainstorm the solution to a problem or to generate them on Post-It notes.  Each idea is written on a separate note.
  2. Ask one group to post one of their ideas on the all and read it.  Ask other groups to stick similar ideas directly beneath the first.
  3. Ask a second group to post another idea on the wall and again ask other groups to put similar ideas beneath this one.  Continue categorizing the slips in this manner.
  4. Review the columns of ideas with the group and then ask them to label each of the categories.  The label should capture the essence of each cluster. 
  5. Proceed with some kind of ranking procedure, such as Weighted Survey (below).
Weighted Survey ("Vote Your Dots")
Purpose: to provide a ranking for ideas
Time needed:  about 15 minutes
Procedure:
  1. List all ideas (such as those gleaned from brainstorming) on chart paper or white board.
  2. Allot each member a certain number of "check marks" to spend.   (A good starting point is to allot the same number of "check marks" as there are ideas..... ten ideas, ten marks.  Note:  sticky dots are also good.
  3. Ask members to go to the chart paper and place checks that they care to "spend" on each idea.  They can put more than one mark on a idea, but not all of them.
  4. Use the data gathered as a starting point to eliminate some of the ideas so that the group can focus on the most popular.  (Note:  a good idea is to ask the group something like, "I see these four items don't have much support.  Could we agree to scratch them off the list?"   Be sensitive to the fact that these ideas are probably someone's favorites.
  5. Don't automatically assume that the idea with the most "check marks" is the winner, or this becomes just a form of voting, with winners and losers.  However, the group can get an idea of the top ideas that might have the most group support.
Alternate idea:  "Spend a Buck" (or 100 baht, or 50 yen, etc.).  Instead of check marks, ask participants to write an amount of cents that they want to spend on each idea, being careful not to spend more than more than the allotted amount
1-3-6
Purpose:  to obtain information when group members are slow to speak or when some tend to dominate.
Time needed:  about 30 minutes
Procedure:
  1. State the topic and ask each person to list one or two ideas concerning the topic. (3 minutes)
  2. Form the participants into groups of three.  The groups discuss the ideas of each person in the group and select one or two ideas that the group can support.  (10 minutes)
  3. Once each group has selected their priorities, they should join another group to form a group of six.  Again, the goal is discuss the choices and choose the best one or two to represent this group of six.
  4. Ideas from the groups of six are charted for everyone to see.  Every person is given five sticker dots and must choose what he or she believes are the best alternatives.  All fine dots cannot be put on one alternative; they must be divided in some way among the alternatives.
  5. The results are graphic and apparent to all, but don't assume that the idea with the most dots is the "winner "without first using the Five Finger Survey, or some other technique to ensure consensus.
Fish Bowl
Purpose:  to discuss the ideas generated in a large-group setting.
Time needed:  30 or more minutes
Procedure:
  1. Small groups (say, 3-5) are formed from a large group (say, 20-50) on any basis that is relevant to the issue (e.g., grade levels, preference for possible solutions, support for ideas on the floor, etc.).
  2. Ask each small group to select a spokesperson who they believe will adequately express their opinions and sentiments.  These spokespersons sit in a small circle of chairs in the middle of the large circle.  (Note:  place one empty chair in the circle!)
  3. The persons in the circle of chairs participate in the discussion of a possible solution to a problem.  The remainder of the participants observe and are not allowed to interject their opinions.  Any observer, however, may temporarily occupy the empty chair and participate., but, once they have made their point, they must return to the outside circle to free the empty chair. 
  4. If the group in the center reaches consensus, bring the question back to the large group for consideration of their recommended idea.
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