PBL Norms and Procedures

Respect the Law: Norms 1. Set Meeting Agenda with set start and finish times. 2. Stay Focused and On-Task. 3. Reach decisions by Consensus. 4. Listen, without interrupting. 5. Provide "air" time for all participants. 6. Share Responsibilities. 7. Be open-minded.

“What are we doing again?” Setting The Agenda Assign roles for the team meeting – i.e. timekeeper, scribe/recorder, leader, technical adviser, etc… Decide what topics are to be discussed. Decide what decisions/plans need to be made. Decide what tasks are to be completed during this team meeting and allotted time for these tasks. Decide what products/artifacts will be produced from this meeting. Write all this information down!!!

Staying focused and on-task Refer regularly to the team agenda – i.e. Where are we on the agenda? What’s next? Keep up with the time – do not get bogged down on one task. The leader should LEAD! In other words, the leader should act as facilitator of the team.

Democracy at Work Decide how your team will give “say” to each group member. Decide on voting method – i.e. secret ballot, call for vote – show of hands, etc… Keep the “say time” and “voting time” brief. Decide what your team will do if you don’t agree and have difficulty reaching a consensus. Follow those protocols.

Lend me your Ears – Listening Use listening body language. Give them your complete attention. Repeat and/or clarify their points. This also validates the importance of what they have to say and shows respect. If you forget easily, take notes by writing key words or phrases that they say. Do NOT Interrupt! Write down responses to address after they are finished.

You’re on the Air Provide an allotted time for each team member to express their opinion. Do not go over your allotted time. Address questions and concerns professionally.

Sharing the Load Take your assigned role seriously. Complete assigned tasks ON TIME! Your team is depending on you! Bring needed materials to the meeting! Decide as a team what will happen if one or more team members don’t do their part. Will they be fired? Will they have to “apply” to another team? Will they have to complete the project alone? Can they take information/work with them?

I can see your Brain! Be open to new ideas, even ones that appear to contradict your opinions and beliefs. Discuss conflicting opinions and ideas professionally – no personal “attacks.” Be prepared to “think outside the box!” Don’t be so open-minded that your brains fall out! – i.e. don’t care, don’t have an opinion, don’t participate in making decisions! Result – don’t get a grade!