"Pattern of Reflective Thinking"
A Discussion Plan Outline:
Worksheet
Names:
Date:
Class:
Section:
A well-outlined discussion plan prepared before-hand will assure a more efficient use of
time and a more thorough and purposeful evaluation of the discussion question. You can
use this outline as a procedural guide, and it will be the way I judge the completeness of
your research and adherence to a systematic method of solving the problem. The outline
will assist you in following the discussion and project intelligently, and you will be ready to
construct a logical Problem/Solution presentation using the information in this worksheet.
Worksheet:
I. State the discussion question:
II. Considering the question:
A. Define the terms used in the question:
III. Considering the Problem:
A. What is the nature of the problem? (Cite specific facts and examples):
B. What is the extent and significance of the problem? (Cite evidence):
C. What are the chief flaws, weaknesses, or deficiencies which must be corrected in the
present situation?
D. What satisfactory elements in the present situation should be retained?
E. What are the probable causes of the problem? (Be specific):
IV. Considering Criteria:
A. What are the essential criteria or standards upon which any solution to the problem is to be
judged? (Use your analysis above to build this criterion. This list should be the most extensive
portion of this worksheet.):
V. Brainstorming Solutions (List all solutions your group comes up with, no matter how
weird.):
VI. Considering the Best Solution:
A. State briefly how each of the proposed solutions satisfies or fails to satisfy one or more of
the criteria. That is, examine each plan in the light of all the criteria so as to eliminate those
solutions which fail to meet them:
B. State briefly the facts which indicate that the proposal you prefer will satisfy each of the
criteria:
C. In addition to satisfying the criteria, list any other advantages or disadvantages that may
result from the adoption of the proposal you prefer:
D. State the points in your proposal on which you would be willing to accept a compromise.
Include the extent of the compromise you would be willing to accept. Also indicate specific
advantages of the other proposals you would like to include if possible: