One Takeaway I Am Going to Try

Intentional Close
An intentional close makes space for participants to reflect on their learning and progress, assess their level of confidence, and identify personal next steps. It encourages participants to recognize the contributions they and others have made to the meeting or learning session and highlights the importance of the work.
Description

Participants are asked to consider and name a take away—an idea, strategy, tool, action step—that they want to try out. Facilitator activates a sense of curiosity and adventure without judgment that supports trying something new for the first time. The activity supports participants prioritizing their own experience, ideas and context as they take a next step.

When and Why

Back to top

Students or participants are often presented with a variety of ideas, strategies, and tools, with the implicit understanding that they will use one or more of the “takeaways.” This activity invites participants to explicitly connect their learning to their practice and encourages ownership and responsibility by taking action.

How to Facilitate

Back to top
  1. Reflect on the current context, the demographics of participants, and the purpose of this engagement. 
  2. Ask participants to reflect on what they have heard and learned, then ask, “Thinking about what you heard and learned today, what is one takeaway you want to try, and why? A takeaway can be an idea, a strategy, a tool, or an action step.”
  3. Give participants a minute of silent thinking time.
  4. Debrief by pairing participants and setting a timer for one or two minutes for each person to share their takeaway and thinking with their partner. If time permits, invite several participants to share their own takeaway and thinking (not their partner’s) with the whole group.

Modification

Back to top
  • In a virtual environment, use chat as well as breakout rooms as time permits.

How does One Takeaway I Am Going to Try support SEL?

Self-Management/Agency:
Participants are encouraged to navigate their emotions, thoughts, and behaviors effectively in different situations to achieve goals and aspirations. Facilitators create an activity where participants feel empowered to make choices and take actions for the common good.

Relationships/Collaborative Problem-Solving:
Participants have the opportunity to establish and maintain healthy and supportive relationships within the group and to effectively navigate settings with diverse individuals and groups. Facilitators create an activity where participants can build a shared understanding and work together to come to solutions by pooling knowledge, skills, and efforts.
Access the latest, most trusted information on SEL
Sign up for our newsletters