Protocol for quickly getting to the root of a problem while offering ideas for the presenter to consider. Powerful and helpful!

1. Essential Questions
How can we foster a loving and supportive
environment that enables our students to thrive
academically, socially and emotionally?
How can we create learning environments that foster
meaningful student involvement and shared decision-
making?
How can we create a school culture where respectful,
constructive communication is the norm?

2. Probing Protocol
Step 1: Intro/clarification of "probing"
questions (5 min)
Step 2: Reflecting/writing your dilemma (5 minutes)
Step 3: Sharing the 1st dilemma (approx. 15 minutes total)
Step 4: Sharing the 2nd dilemma (approx. 15 min. total)
Step 5: Sharing 3rd dilemma (approx. 15 min. total)
Step 6: Debrief (5 minutes)

3. Individual Dilemma Sharing
1. The volunteer reads his/her dilemma to the group. (1-2 min.)
2. The group asks clarifying questions (quick, yes/no, factual).
(1-2 min.)
3. The individuals in the group reflect/write probing questions
(2-3 min.)
4. Anyone in the group asks a probing question/the presenter writes
the question down. Continue as time permits. (5 min.)
5. The presenter considers each probing question and decides which
one is most on target in terms of deepening his/her thinking
about the dilemma. The presenter may want to take
a minute to reflect aloud on the meaning of the
question in relation to the dilemma. (2-3 min.)
Total: 15 minutes

4. Good Probing Questions
• Help the presenter think more deeply about the issue at
hand
• Are usually brief but cannot be answered with a simple yes
or no
• Are general and widely useful
• Don't have a "right" answer and allow for multiple responses
• Don't place blame on any one
• Are not a recommendation
• Empower the person with the dilemma to solve his/her
problem
• Move thinking from reaction to reflection
• Encourage taking another party's perspective

5. Debrief
What makes a good probing
question effective?
Was this process helpful to you
either as a presenter or as a
participant? Why?

6. “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest
aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look
up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try
to follow where they lead.” - Louis May Alcott

7. “Far away there in the sunshine are my highest
aspirations. I may not reach them, but I can look
up and see their beauty, believe in them, and try
to follow where they lead.” - Louis May Alcott