Arena:  Applied Critical Thinking

Conversation Mapping to Develop Core Concepts

Lab Content

Introduction

Presentation and Activity 1

Synthesis

Go Deeper

Conversation Mapping

Step 1

Depending on your table sizes, make groups between 4-8 people. Ideally, there are 3-4 teams. Each table will have a poster-size sheet of paper with a core concept circled in the middle.

You can choose concepts to explore from your statements. Or consider using the concepts: Freedom, Diversity, Equality, and Power.

 

Step 2

Starting at your table, read and add to the map for 7-9 minutes. Each group rotates through all of the maps until you are back to your original table.

 

Step 3

Become investigative journalists exploring the detailed conversation map. Imagine you are writing a blog about this idea. Study the map to make discoveries about patterns, themes, and emergent ideas.

Write the new ideas on post-its, or use a white board or easel – create a display you can share with the other teams.

 

Step 4

Each group takes a turn sharing what they learned about the concept on their map.

Step 5

Watch the Synthesis Video.
Group Discussion.