OVERVIEW OF PROTOCOLS

Protocols consist of agreed up guidelines/norms for a conversation, and can provide a facilitated structure to focused conversations. They can be used to:

  • look at student and adult work,
  • give and receive feedback,
  • solve problems or dilemmas,
  • observe classrooms or peers,
  • push thinking on a given issue, and
  • structure a discussion around a text.

IMPORTANCE OF PROTOCOLS

“Whenever talk has important consequences, we deserve a chance to think through what we want to say, and in an environment where what we choose to say can be heard and respected.”

McDonald, 2007

“In forcing transparency, protocols again teach us habits that we wish we already had; to take time to listen and notice, to take time to think about what we want to say, to work without rushing, to speak less (or speak up more).”

McDonald, 2007

Protocols help us to establish transparency and support learning amongst our colleagues. They help us to clarify our own views and those of others, and play an important role in developing a culture that values collective decision-making. When used effectively, protocols increase equity, promote meaningful participation and can create workplaces where the power to assess outcomes and to take action to improve them is distributed throughout the organization. This is called ‘distributed facilitative leadership’.

http://www.bastow.vic.edu.au/blog/why-using-protocols-can-improve-your-meetings

What impact do protocols have on conflict-ridden groups or even a topic that the group knows will be contentious?

Protocols can be beneficial to all groups, and should not be used as a remediation strategy for ineffective groups.


UNPACKING PROTOCOLS

Tips for Effective Use of Protocols

  • A responsive and attentive facilitator
  • Protected meeting time
  • Norms
  • Make the purpose meaningful
  • Purposefully aligning the protocol and the purpose
  • Build background knowledge for all participants on the purpose and use of protocols
  • Model and review the protocol with participants
  • Follow the steps of the protocol
  • Allow time to reflect on the effectiveness of the protocol (McDonald, 2007)

PROTOCOLS IN PRACTICE

Review the following protocols:

Constructivist Tuning Protocol

Developing a Problem Protocol

How do you think you could incorporate the use of these protocols into your collaborative team and work?  Would the use of protocols improve your collaboration? What more do you need to know to start developing and using protocols with your teams?