Consensus+Building

Definition of a Consensus Building Task
"Some topics go hand in hand with controversy. People disagree because of differences in their value systems, in what they accept as factually correct, in what they've been exposed to, or in what their ultimate goals are. In this imperfect world, it's useful to expose future adults to such differences and to give them practice at resolving them. Consensus building tasks attempt to do that. The essence of a consensus building task is the requirement that differing viewpoints be articulated, considered, and accommodated where possible. For better or worse, current events and recent history provide many opportunities for practice." [1]

Tips for Consensus Building Tasks
"A well designed consensus-building task will:
 * involve learners taking on different perspectives by studying different sets of resources;
 * be based on authentic differences of opinion that are actually expressed by someone somewhere outside of classroom walls;
 * be based on matters of opinion and fact, not just fact;
 * result in the development of a common report that has a specific audience (real or simulated) and is created in a format that is analogous to one used in the world outside classroom walls (e.g., a policy white paper, a recommendation to some government body, a memorandum of understanding)." [1]

Reference [1] http://webquest.sdsu.edu/taskonomy.html

Examples of WebQuests with a Consensus Building Role
1. [|Genes: The Building Blocks of Life] This WebQuest asks students to each research a different aspect of genetics. Then the students must reach a consensus on how funding for genetics should be distributed.

2. [|Talking to Parents about Sex] This WebQuest fits under consensus building because when talking to parents about sex, it is a topic with differing viewpoints and this WebQuest gives ways to resolve the differing viewpoints. I liked this WebQuest. Everything was in order and where it should be and it could all be followed quite easily. The role of student talking to their parent is simple, yet for the goals of this WebQuest, it is 100% effective. All of the resources are linked within the page correctly so there are no missing pages or repeated ones which is a problem that some WebQuests of lesser quality have. I would have to say the only thing about this WebQuest that makes it imperfect is it is extremely hard to read text. Increase the size to a 12 or 14 size font and maybe not a teal color and it is a 5 out of 5.

3. [|Touring Antarctica] This WebQuests ask students to take on the role of either a Tour Operator, an Environmentalist, a Scientist, or a Politician. Once the roles have been chosen each person must write an Environmental Impact report which they express the view point of the role they have taken on. They will then present their view points to the other group members. After each point of view has been considered the students must come to a conclusion which will determine whether or not they, as a group, believe 'Antarctic Tours' should be allowed to establish "trekking tours" in Antarctica.

4. [|Science of Genetics] This WebQuest has students research different ways in which genetics is used and asks the students questions regarding each. Students are put in groups and each person takes a part to research. Once all the research is done and the students have answered all their questions, they come together as a team and answer one main question in which they most likely will have differing opinions. A consensus must be made as to how the group is going to answer the question. 20A2547C-C5B7-B06F-6A95-E10011BDF7A71.02.28