Value Continuum Discussion Strategy: Explanation
A continuum is a link between two things.
It usually spans a large range and often encompasses all possible positions regarding a topic.
In our case, a value continuum is a link between the two extremes: Strongly Disagree and Strongly Agree.
The space in between is the continuous series of points with which an individual could identify, in relation to some statement about values or beliefs.
When used in class, the continuum can be represented by any of the following:
- A double-ended arrow displayed on the board.
- A long piece of string stretched along the floor or suspended above head height.
- Two pieces of paper stuck to opposing walls, one of which reads ‘Strongly Agree’ and the other of which reads ‘Strongly Disagree’.
The activity works as follows.
Learners are presented with the value continuum, and the teacher explains what it represents.
A statement is displayed, and learners are invited to assess where they would place themselves on the continuum, in relation to that statement.
The teacher now has the following options:
- Ask all the learners to leave their seats and stand at the point on the continuum that represents their views.
- Ask learners to draw the continuum in their books and to mark on it the point that represents their views.
- Give all learners a Post-it note and ask them to write their name on it. Learners place the Post-it note on the continuum at the point that represents their views.
Discussion follows.
The teacher asks different learners to explain the reasons behind their positions, encouraging debate between different members of the class.
It is usually worth introducing a second, third and even a fourth statement and to repeat the above process.
Doing this allows you and your learners to explore a range of statements concerning a particular topic.
Value Continuum Discussion Strategy: Example
Topic: Shakespeare’s A Midsummer Night’s Dream
The teacher introduces the value continuum and then presents learners with the following three statements, each in turn:
- The play is primarily about the dark side of love.
- The loss of individual identity forms the main theme of the play.
- A Midsummer Night’s Dream gives us a good insight into Elizabethan norms and values.
For each statement, learners are asked to position themselves on the value continuum.
The teacher then asks a selection of pupils to explain the reasoning behind their choices.
This is used to spark debate, with the teacher encouraging those who occupy different positions on the continuum to defend the reasons behind their choices and to critique the reasons given by other learners.
During a debate such as this, it is good to give pupils the opportunity to alter their positions, if they wish.
It may be the case that some of the arguments put forward are sufficiently persuasive to cause a change in a learner’s thinking, and they will appreciate the chance to alter their position on the continuum, so it reflects such a change.
Value Continuum Discussion Strategy: Extensions and Developments
- Give learners an opportunity to write out a defence of their position prior to them deciding where it lies on the value continuum. This defence could take the form of three separate reasons, each one supported by an example. When it comes to the debate, learners will be able to use this written work to support their oral arguments (and to raise their quality).
- Challenge learners to occupy a position on the value continuum with which they disagree and to advocate for that position. While this is difficult, it encourages learners to think about a viewpoint that is different from their own.
