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Democratic Voting
This strategy outlines steps for class voting that allow all student and teacher ideas to be addressed with equity. Students come to a group consensus by voting for their top choice or choices.
Democratic Voting
Summary
Conflicts can arise in the classroom through students' differing opinions or goals. Democratic Voting is an instructional strategy designed to encourage students to work together toward a common purpose or goal. The strategy details a step-by-step procedure that gives students opportunities to be heard, to voice opinions, and to achieve consensus.
Procedure
Defining: The class or the group defines the problem to be solved. For example, What will our next class project be?
Brainstorming: Students share their ideas in turn. They may pass if they have no contribution. Continue to share until all ideas are listed on the board.
Combining: Post all brainstormed ideas. Can any similar ideas be combined? Ask students who shared similar ideas if they will allow their idea to be combined with another.
Advocating: Ask students to look at all ideas posted. Students can speak on behalf of any statement or idea they feel strongly about.
Voting by Weighted Rounds: Ask students to vote for their top three choices in the first round. Repeat this process until one clear choice or limited choices are determined.
Shindler, J. (2009). Transformative classroom management. San Francisco, CA: Josey-Bass, pp. 227–253.
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Placement In Lesson
- Evaluate/Assessment
- Explain/Closing
- Explore/Learning Activity
- Extend/Additional Learning Activity
Intention/Purpose
- Brainstorming
- Collaborate
- Organize
- Problem Solving
- Speak & Listen
- Student Choice
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