How Negotiate works.

The Process. There are 5 parts to the process. 1. The students are randomly paired. 2. They introduce themselves to each other. 3. There is a verbal activity. 4. There is feed back about the activity. 5. The students thank their partner.

Step by Step through Negotiate

Step one. Random Pairing

Random pairing ... a challenge to some initially becomes one of the most enjoyed aspects of Negotiate. It breaks down barriers and develops broad interpersonal relationships.

Step Two. Greeting

The students meet their partner, sit beside them and greet each other courteously, using their names. Body language skills, including eye contact can be developed.

Step Three. The Activity

There is a passage of text for the teacher to read to the students. The passage will describe a situation and/or issue which the students after thought, need to discuss. The issues range from those focused on student, parental and friendship relationships to broader citizenship and world issues. The teacher reads this to the students and allows thinking time. The students discuss the issue.

Step Four. Discussion and Feedback

After each question is read out to the students the teacher takes feedback. Any point of view is welcome unless objectionable. The pair of students need not agree on the issue. Students are praised and thanked for their contribution. Not all students need to feedback to each question.

Step Five. The Summary Box

There is a box of text at the foot of the activity page. This is read to the students. It is a comment on the activity. It is not a solution to the question.

Step Six. The Farewell and Conclusion

The session ends on a positive note with the students again making eye contact and using their partners name, thanking them for their contribution to the discussion. (This, of course in their own words)

The whole process should take no more the 15-20 minutes.